Clinical management of nanophthalmos combined with cataract: a case series

To explore the clinical characteristics, surgical challenges, and management strategies for nanophthalmos combined with cataract.

We report three adult patients with nanophthalmos, all presenting with extremely short axial lengths (Case 1: OD 14.83 mm, OS 14.54 mm; Case 2: OD 16.27 mm; Case 3: OD 15.19 mm, OS 15.00 mm) complicated by varying degrees of cataracts and other ocular complications. All three patients underwent phacoemulsification cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation following admission.

Patients with nanophthalmos face higher risks during cataract surgery compared to the general population, with a greater likelihood of postoperative complications such as uveal effusion syndrome, choroidal detachment, and a fibrotic membrane on the anterior IOL surface. Thorough perioperative assessment, meticulous surgical technique, individualized complication management, and long-term follow-up are critical to improving outcomes.