ABSTRACT

Purpose:

To evaluate preoperative complications and the reliability of posterior capsulorhexis procedure.

Material and Methods:

This study included 256 eyes of 238 patients who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery and posterior capsulorhexis procedure. Thirteen eyes with complicated posterior capsulorhexis (5%) were examined in detail.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 36 years (range, 2-51 years). Anterior vitrectomy was conducted for vitreous prolapsus to the anterior chamber in 7 of 13 eyes with complication (2.8%). Posterior chamber intraocular lens (11 eyes on anterior capsul within sulcus, 2 eyes in the bag) could be implanted in all eyes with complication. Four patients had transient ocular hypertension that was controlled by topical glaucoma agent. At the last examination no patient needed any glaucoma medication.

Conclusion:

In the hands of experienced cataract surgeon who operates huge number of patient, posterior capsulorhexis procedure is a reliable method that has low complication rate. This method necessitates a learning period. Posterior capsulorhexis is a useful application allowing earlier visual rehabilitation in eyes with posterior capsule fibrosis. Knowing the possible complications of the procedure improves the reliability of posterior capsulorhexis procedure.