Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in nanophthalmic eyes: report of a medium-size series

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes in nanophthalmic eyes that had phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

Setting: Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Methods: Six nanophthalmic eyes of 4 patients had uneventful phacoemulsification and posterior chamber IOL implantation with a retrobulbar or peribulbar block. All operations were performed by 1 surgeon. Patients ranged in age from 41 to 70 years.

Results: The visual acuity remained stable or improved in all 6 eyes. Glaucoma control was maintained or improved in 5 eyes.

Conclusion: The results indicate that small-incision cataract surgery, although challenging, is safe and diminishes the need for prophylactic sclerotomies in these high-risk eyes.