Short-term outcomes in eyes with posterior capsule rupture during cataract surgery

To determine the short-term outcomes in eyes with posterior capsule rupture (PCR) during cataract surgery.

The Eye Institute, National Healthcare Group, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.

All intraoperative complications during cataract surgery were reported prospectively as part of a clinical audit program. The clinical charts of all patients who had PCR during cataract surgery from July 1995 to December 1998 were retrospectively reviewed.

Posterior capsule rupture occurred in 155 (1.9%) of 8230 consecutive eyes that had extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) or phacoemulsification. Thirteen cases were excluded from analysis for missing data or insufficient follow-up. Of the remaining 142 eyes, 100 (70.4%) achieved a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 6/12 or better between 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Excluding 27 eyes with preexisting ocular pathology contributing to impaired vision, 87.0% achieved a BCVA of 6/12 or better. Fifteen eyes (13.0%) failed to achieve that acuity because of cystoid macular edema (CME) (2 eyes), posterior capsule opacification (2 eyes), endophthalmitis (1 eye), glaucoma (1 eye), retinal detachment (1 eye), CME, central retinal artery occlusion, and vitreous hemorrhage (1 eye) or unknown reasons (7 eyes). Risk factors for a poor visual outcome included older age, presence of coexisting ocular pathology, ECCE, implantation of an anterior chamber intraocular lens, and vitreous loss requiring anterior vitrectomy.

Most eyes with PCR achieved a good BCVA in the early postoperative period.