Cataract Surgery with a New Fluidics Control Phacoemulsification System in Nanophthalmic Eyes

To report visual outcomes and complications after cataract surgery in nanophthalmic eyes with a phacoemulsification system using the active fluidics control strategy.

This is a retrospective case series. All eyes with an axial length of less than 20 mm that underwent cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange using the Centurion Vision System (Alcon Laboratories Inc.) in Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital were evaluated. The visual acuity and intraoperative and postoperative complications were reported. Prior approval from the Hospital Research Committee has been granted.

Five eyes of 3 patients were included. The mean follow-up period was 10.2 ± 5.3 months (range, 4-18). Two eyes (40%) had a one-line loss of corrected distance visual acuity. No uveal effusion and posterior capsular tear developed. An optic crack and haptic breakage in the intraocular lens developed in 1 eye (20%) and 2 eyes (40%), respectively. Additional surgeries to treat high postoperative intraocular pressure were required in 1 eye (20%).

The use of a new phacoemulsification system, which actively monitors and maintains the intraoperative pressure, facilitated anterior chamber stability during cataract surgery in nanophthalmic eyes. This minimized the risk of major complications related to unstable anterior chambers such as uveal effusion and posterior capsular tear. Development of intraoperative crack/breakage in a high-power intraocular lens was common.