Abstracto

Intracapsular cataract extraction for the management of dense cataracts and zonular weakness

Steven B Koenig

Purpose: To describe the use of Intracapsular Cataract Extraction (ICCE) with and without concomitant Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) for the treatment of selected cases of dense cataract and zonular weakness. Case Series: This is a retrospective analysis of five eyes of four patients undergoing ICCE during the last eight years. Results and discussion: Five eyes of four patients underwent ICCE. Two patients had traumatic cataracts and amblyopia, one patient (2 eyes) had ectopia lentis associated with homocystinuria. All eyes had dense nuclear sclerotic, mature or hypermature cataracts in addition to generalized zonular weakness. Three eyes underwent combined PPV. One eye underwent concomitant repair of a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Three eyes received anterior chamber intraocular lenses. All surgeries were successfully performed without complication, although one eye developed reversible cystoid macular edema following surgery. Three eyes without pre-existing amblyopia experienced excellent post-operative visual acuity (range 20/20 to 20/30) during an average follow-up period of 17 months. Conclusion: ICCE alone or in combination with pars plana vitrectomy is a safe and effective method for removing dense cataracts in the setting of zonular weakness or absence.