Risk of Posterior Capsule Rupture During Cataract Surgery in Eyes With Previous Intravitreal Injections

To investigate the risk of posterior capsular rupture (PCR) during cataract surgery in eyes with previous intravitreal injection (IVI).

Retrospective cohort study.

The Moorfields Patient Administrative System and OpenEyes electronic databases were used to study all cataract surgery procedures undertaken between January 1, 2012 and August 31, 2015 in the Moorfields main and satellite sites. Clinical data were anonymized and extracted, including prior occurrence and number of intravitreal injections. Logistic regression was performed with the Hosmer-Lemeshow test for goodness of fit to generate odds ratios for possible risk factors.

In total, 62 994 cataract surgery procedures were undertaken over the study period, of which 1035 (1.64%) were in eyes with previous intravitreal injection(s). PCR occurred in 650 (1.04%) eyes. After logistic regression, prior intravitreal injection was associated with an increased risk of PCR (P = .037), with an odds ratio of 1.66. The number of prior injections, indication for injections, and service undertaking the surgery were not associated with increased risk of PCR (P > .1).

Eyes with previous IVI have a higher risk of PCR. This is not affected by number of previous injections, indication for injections, or the specialty undertaking the surgery.