Combined strabismus and phacoemulsification cataract surgery: a useful option in selected patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of combined strabismus and phacoemulsification cataract extraction in patients with symptomatic cataract and strabismus.

METHODS

Four procedures of combined strabismus and cataract surgery are described in 3 elderly patients with strabismus of differing aetiologies. Two patients underwent one procedure; the other patient underwent two combined procedures, one to each eye.

RESULTS

The visual acuity improved in all 3 patients. Post-operative alignment of the visual axis was achieved which allowed resolution of symptomatic diplopia in patient 1, functional binocular single vision in patient 2 and a noticeably reduced compensatory head posture in patient 3.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined strabismus and cataract surgery is a safe procedure that can optimise visual alignment and improve visual acuity with a minimum number of operations.