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Subcapsular fluid entrapment in extracapsular cataract surgery
R J Olson1, K M Younger, A S Crandall
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84132.
Ophthalmic Surgery
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Sudden shallowing of the anterior chamber can occur during cataract surgery irrigation. This complication, linked to fluid trapping in the posterior chamber, is often seen with open corneas and zonular issues.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Complications
- Anterior Segment Surgery
Background:
- Cataract surgery involves irrigation and aspiration of lens cortex.
- Maintaining anterior chamber depth is crucial during intraocular procedures.
- Zonular integrity is vital for supporting the crystalline lens.
Observation:
- Five cases of sudden anterior chamber shallowing were observed.
- This phenomenon occurred specifically with irrigation delivered under the iris.
- The complication was noted during cortex removal, particularly in eyes with open corneas.
Findings:
- Irrigation under the iris appears to force fluid into the posterior chamber.
- Trapped fluid in the posterior chamber leads to anterior chamber shallowing.
- This complication was frequently associated with corneal transplantation and zonular dehiscence.
Implications:
- Understanding this mechanism can help prevent anterior chamber collapse during surgery.
- Surgeons should be cautious with iris irrigation, especially in compromised eyes.
- This highlights the importance of intact zonules and corneal integrity.