Phacoemulsification considerations in nonhuman primates

Abstract

To describe the pre-surgical, surgical, and post-surgical considerations for phacoemulsification in non-human primates. Records of non-human primates that underwent phacoemulsification by the Ophthalmology Services of FHCV-UAB and HCV-UM, between 2003 and 2009 were reviewed. Five primates were represented: one gorilla, one chimpanzee, one pygmy marmoset, one orangutan, and one chacma baboon. Three were males and two females, of a median age of 16.8years. Four primates presented bilateral cataracts and one unilateral (n=9 eyes). Cataracts were immature in two eyes, mature in four and hypermature in 3. One-handed phacoemulsification was used in seven eyes and a two-handed technique in 2. Intraocular lenses (IOLs), with optic powers between +19.0 and +21.5D, were implanted in the four large-sized primates. All the primates were more active and social after the surgery. Phacoemulsification in non-human primates is highly successful and associated with an overall good visual outcome. Nevertheless, specific considerations should be applied in these species.