Sulcus implantation of single-piece foldable acrylic intraocular lens after posterior capsule tear during phacoemulsification: Visual outcome and complications

Abstract

Background: Posterior capsule tear (PCT) during phacoemulsification affects the type, site, and timing of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the visual outcomes and complications following sulcus implantation of single-piece foldable acrylic IOL after PCT during phacoemulsification. Setting and Design: The retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center in eastern India. Methods: Records of patients between July 2017 and March 2020 were reviewed. Thirty-six eyes of 36 patients, in whom PCT had occurred during phacoemulsification, were included. Statistical Analysis Used: Microsoft Excel 2007 and SPSS 108 software were used. Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity was compared using paired t-tests. Postoperative visual outcomes and complications were assessed in percentage. Results: Postoperative visual acuity was ≥6/12 in 22 (61.11%) patients on day 1 and 30 (83.33%) patients on day 30, with a statistically significant improvement compared to preoperative vision (P < 0.05). On the first postoperative day, corneal edema was seen in 8 (22.22%) patients, increased anterior chamber reaction in 5 (13.89%) patients, and raised IOP in 4 (11.11%) patients. After 3 months, 2 (5.56%) patients needed antiglaucoma medications for IOP control, 1 (2.78%) had iridocyclitis, and 1 (2.78%) had chronic cystoid macular edema. The mean follow-up duration was 17.44 ± 12.15 months (range: 3–46 months). Conclusion: To conclude, sulcus implantation of posterior chamber IOL during phacoemulsification surgery complicated with PCT may be considered if the adequate lens is not available, and sufficient capsular support exists. Our study revealed a good final visual acuity with minimal complications, though more research to ascertain our results is warranted.