Continuous control of intraocular pressure in pseudophakic retinal detachment surgery

We describe a method for continuous control of intraocular pressure in pseudophakic retinal detachment surgery done shortly after extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. The system consists of a special needle inserted into the anterior chamber through the corneal limbus. The needle is attached by a regular intravenous administration set to an infusion bag. This allows fluids to exit the eye when the eyeball is compressed and to return to the eye when pressure on the eye is released. The presence of an intact posterior capsule and an intraocular lens do not impose a significant barrier to the passage of fluids between the anterior chamber and the vitreous cavity. Using this technique, intraocular pressure can be stabilized throughout the operation. The implementation of this system is demonstrated by a case report.