[Pseudophakic retinal detachment after cataract surgery by phacoemulsification]

To estimate the incidence and causes of pseudophakic retinal detachment after cataract surgery by phacoemulsification.

105 patients (51 females, 54 males, age: 18 -81 yrs) treated because of pseudophkic retinal detachment at the Department of Ophthalmology, Szczecin, between 2000 and 2004.

Cataract surgery by phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implanation was performed in 105 eyes. Posterior chamber intraocular lenses were implanted in 102 eyes and anterior chamber intraocular lenses in 3 eyes.

During four years of follow-up, pseudophakic retinal detachment was observed in 17.3% of eyes. The most frequent cause of pseudophakic retinal detachment was high myopia (16.2% of eyes) and Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy (7.6% of eyes). Diabetes was diagnosed in 10 patients (9.5%). Cerclage with a silicon band (58.9%), scleral buckling (26.7%) and primary pars plana vitrectomy (14.4%) were the surgical techniques used to treat pseudophakic retinal detachment. Anatomical success in 88% of eyes was achieved.

1. The most frequent cause of pseudophakic retinal detachment were high myopia and Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy. 2. Retinal detachment surgery had a high anatomical succes rate. 3. Patients with pseudophakia should be made aware of symptoms of retinal detachment because early recognition and prompt treatment result not only in anatomical succes but also in good visual recovery.