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Outcomes of dropped nucleus during phacoemulsification
M A Kapusta1, J C Chen, W C Lam
1Department of Ophthalmology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Purpose:
To evaluate the clinical outcome of vitrectomy in the management of dropped nucleus during phacoemulsification.
Method:
Twenty-five consecutive patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for the management of dropped nucleus from phacoemulsification, over a 36-month period, were studied. Twenty-two patients underwent vitrectomy within 15 days of cataract surgery. Most of the patients were followed for more than 6 months.
Results:
Final visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 71% (17/24) of eyes and 20/50 in 8% (2/24). Visual acuity was 20/70 or worse in 21% (5/24) of patients. Complications included persistent cystoid macular edema in three eyes, epimacular proliferation in two eyes, and a choroidal detachment in one eye.
Conclusion:
Poor visual outcome after dropped nucleus at phacoemulsification cataract extraction can be avoided if managed by prompt pars plana vitrectomy.
