Retinal burns occurring at cataract extraction

Paramacular changes presumably induced by operating microscope light have been described previously in six patients who had undergone extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber lens implantation. Twelve additional patients are reported, including pseudophakes and nonpseudophakes, macular and paramacular burns, and no visual loss and severe visual loss. Burns occurred in spite of filters and light barriers used in some cases. Light sources were tungsten bulb or halogen/fiberoptic. Three cases had essentially normal preoperative angiography. Currently recommended safety measures have not eliminated this complication.