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

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.