Showing papers on "Cataract surgery published in 1995"

Reproducibility and Responsiveness of the VF-14: An Index of Functional Impairment in Patients With Cataracts

Abstract: Objective: To assess the test-retest reliability and responsiveness of the VF-14, which is an index of functional impairment in patient with cataracts. Design: Observational longitudinal study. Patients were enrolled prior to undergoing their first cataract surgery between July 15 and December 15, 1991, and they were followed up for 1 year after surgery. Setting: Patients were recruited from 72 ophthalmologists' practices in three US cities. Patients: Five hundred fifty-two patients who had undergone a surgical procedure in only one eye by the 4-month postoperative follow-up (responsiveness analyses) and a subset of these (n=426) who had not subsequently undergone surgery for the second eye by the 12-month postoperative follow-up (reproducibility analyses). Main Outcome Measures: Two health status measures (the VF-14 and the Sickness Impact Profile, two global measures of a patient's trouble and satisfaction with his or her vision, and best corrected visual acuity in each eye. Results: The VF-14 is highly reproducible, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of.79 when patientrated criteria are used to define stable patients. The intraclass correlation coefficient was lower (.57 to.71) when various measures of visual acuity were used to define stable patients. The VF-14 is also about three times more responsive to a change in vision than the Sickness Impact Profile, which is a generic health status measure (effect size of approximately 1.00 vs 0.30). Estimates of the responsiveness of the VF-14 and the Sickness Impact Profile were not associated with preoperative visual acuity in the operated on or better eye. Responsiveness of the VF-14, however, was higher in patients with greater self-rated trouble with vision preoperatively. Conclusions: The VF-14 was reproducible in stable patients during an 8-month period, and it was more responsive to clinically significant changes in vision than was a generic health status measure (ie, the Sickness Impact Profile).

Age-Related Eye Disease and Survival: The Beaver Dam Eye Study

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the relationship of cataract, age-related maculopathy, glaucoma, and visual impairment to survival in the population-based Beaver Dam Eye Study. Design: In this population-based study, visual acuity was measured with use of standardized protocols. At baseline, stereoscopic color fundus photographs and color slit-lamp and retroillumination photographs were graded in a masked fashion to determine the presence of age-related maculopathy and cataract, respectively. Deaths were ascertained by contacting family members, daily review of obituaries, and use of vital status records. Participants: Subjects aged 43 through 84 years who lived in Beaver Dam, Wis, were identified and examined between 1988 and 1990. Results: From the time of the baseline examination until a median of 4 years later, 9.5% (467/4926) of the population had died. After correcting for age and sex, poorer survival was associated with more severe nuclear sclerosis (5-year survival of 88.9% for the most severe compared with 94.1% for the least severe stage) and visual impairment (5-year survival of 87.5% for impaired compared with 91.8% for unimpaired vision). However, after controlling for systemic factors, only more severe nuclear sclerosis in people without diabetes was significantly associated with poorer survival (hazard ratio per level of severity, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 1.40). Conclusions: These data suggest that after controlling for age and sex, nuclear sclerotic cataract severity, cataract surgery, and visual impairment are risk indicators for poorer survival. Cortical cataract, posterior subcapsular cataract, glaucoma, and age-related maculopathy were unrelated to poorer survival.

Intraocular lens power calculation for eyes after refractive keratotomy

Abstract: BACKGROUND Calculating the intraocular lens (IOL) power for an eye that has previously had refractive keratotomy is a problem because of the difficulty of accurately measuring the central power of the cornea using standard keratometers. METHODS Three methods are proposed to better estimate this parameter. The clinical history method involves subtracting the change in myopia induced by the refractive keratotomy from the average corneal power measured before the keratotomy. The contact lens method determines the difference between the manifest refraction with and without a plano hard contact lens of known base curve and subtracts this difference from that base curve. Videokeratography measures the central corneal power inside the approximately 3-mm zone measured by keratometry, and therefore gives a more accurate power to use in IOL calculation formulas, especially with newer software applications becoming available. RESULTS Published reports have demonstrated that standard keratometers do not accurately measure corneal power after refractive keratotomy and that regression formulas are less accurate than modern third-generation theoretic formulas for eyes that have flatter corneas from refractive surgery. CONCLUSION For eyes that have had refractive surgery, the corneal power derived from clinical history, contact lens refraction, or videokeratography should be used in a third-generation theoretic formula (Hoffer Q, Holladay, SRK/T) to calculate the intraocular lens power used during cataract surgery.

Older-onset diabetes and lens opacities. The Beaver Dam Eye Study

Abstract: Purpose: To determine the prevalence of lens opacities in older-onset diabetic persons.Methods: A study of age-related eye disease in a population (n=4926) of adults in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Study participants were examined and interviewed according to protocol. Photographs were taken of the lenses of both eyes of all study participants. Photographs were graded in a standard fashion. Diabetes was denned by history, doctors' records and serum glucose criteria.Results: Persons who were diabetic were significantly more likely to have cortical lens opacities (age-adjusted odds ratio 1.72, 95% CI 1.29-2.30 for right eyes) and were more likely to have previously undergone cataract surgery (age-adjusted odds ratio 2.01, 95% CI 1.43-2.82 for either eye) than people without diabetes. Longer duration of diabetes significantly increased the odds of having cortical opacity.Conclusion: Older-onset diabetes is associated with increased frequency of a specific age-related lens change, cortical opacity. It is also assoc...

Complications and results of phacoemulsification performed by residents

Abstract: The use of phacoemulsification by ophthalmic surgeons has increased markedly over the past five years. Previous studies have reported relatively high rates of vitreous loss by residents learning phacoemulsification. We retrospectively analyzed the complications and results in 300 cases of phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation performed by residents. The first 40 cases done by four residents in their second year of training were compared with approximately the last 40 cases done by each resident at the end of the third year. The overall rate of surgical complications was 6.3%, and the total rate of vitreous loss was 3.3%. The rate of surgical complications during the initial surgeries in the second year of residency was 9.3%; it was 3.3% by the end of the third year. The rate of vitreous loss was 5.3% in the second year and 1.3% during the third year. Postoperatively, 90.6% of all eyes had a final best corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better (95% excluding patients with pre-existing ocular disease). With proper training and supervision, the rate of surgical complications for residents learning phacoemulsification is acceptably low when compared with the rate for extracapsular cataract extraction.

Geographic variation in utilization of cataract surgery.

Abstract: Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgical procedure on Medicare beneficiaries, with an annual cost to the Medicare program of more than $3.4 billion. In this study, the relationship between demographic, environmental, and provider-related factors, and the likelihood that cataract surgery will be performed on a Medicare beneficiary were assessed. The association between likelihood of cataract surgery and patient age, sex, race, income, and latitude of residence was examined, as was the association with the supply of ophthalmologists and optometrists in each region, and the allowed charge for cataract surgery and cost of practice in a region. This cross-sectional, population-based study used administrative data. Both regional models, using least-squares regression and person-based models, using logistic regression were employed. A random 5% sample of 1986 and 1987 Medicare beneficiaries, 65 years of age and older, were included in the study. Medicare beneficiaries who lacked continuous Part A and Part B coverage during 1986 and 1987, or who were enrolled in a health maintenance organization at any time during this 2-year period of observation were excluded from the study to make certain that complete utilization data were available for each individual. Rate of cataract surgery per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries in each Bureau of Economic Analysis Economic Area (BEAEA) and the likelihood of an individual with particular characteristics undergoing cataract surgery were determined in separate regression models. The mean annual rate of cataract surgery during 1986 and 1987 in the 181 BEAEAs was 25.4 surgeries per 1,000 persons 65 years of age or older (standard deviation = 6.2, coefficient of variation = 0.24). Both the regional model and the person-based model detected an association between a higher rate of and personal likelihood of cataract surgery and female gender, more southerly latitude, higher concentration of optometrists per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries, and higher allowed charge for cataract surgery, after adjusting for variation in practice expense. The person-based model additionally demonstrated that increased likelihood of undergoing cataract surgery was associated with increasing age from 65 to 94 years, white race, and living in a zip-code area with mean income greater than $15,000. Neither analysis detected a statistically significant association between the concentration of ophthalmologists per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries and the regional rate of, or an individual's likelihood of, cataract surgery. Compared with the geographic variation in provision of other surgical procedures, the variation in cataract surgery across large geographic areas observed in this analysis was relatively low.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Incidence of retinal detachment after cataract surgery and neodymium:YAG laser capsulotomy

Abstract: The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence of retinal detachment (RD) in patients following cataract extraction with intraocular lens placement and after neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy. This study comprised 1092 patients (1168 eyes) who had cataract extraction and related procedures between January 1986 and December 1992 identified from the coding and billing database. Of the 1092 patients, 215 (244 eyes) had had Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. Their charts were reviewed for incidence of RD, and these data were correlated with age, sex, axial length, surgical complications, and other surgical procedures done at the time of cataract extraction. The incidence of RD following phacoemulsification alone was 0.75% (6/799), with a mean time between cataract extraction and RD of 11.6 months. The cases of RD after extracapsular cataract extraction, combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy, combined extracapsular cataract extraction and penetrating keratoplasty, and combined phacoemulsification and anterior vitrectomy were too few to draw any conclusions. The incidence of RD following Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was 0.82% (2/244), with a mean time of 32 months between cataract surgery and capsulotomy and 13.5 months between capsulotomy and RD. There was a statistically significant higher incidence of RD after posterior capsule rupture and anterior vitrectomy than after uncomplicated phacoemulsification (2/12 versus 6/799). In conclusion, the rate of RD after uncomplicated phacoemulsification was less than or similar to the rate found in other recent studies. It was not statistically different from the rate following phacoemulsification and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy (0.82%). This study confirms the increased risk of RD following posterior capsule rupture and anterior vitrectomy.

Preoperative Functional Expectations and Postoperative Outcomes Among Patients Undergoing First Eye Cataract Surgery

Abstract: Objective: To describe the relationship between patients' preoperative expectations regarding the outcome of cataract surgery and actual postoperative experience. Methods: A longitudinal study of 772 patients undergoing first eye cataract surgery recruited from 75 ophthalmology practices in three metropolitan areas was conducted. Prior to surgery and approximately 4 months after surgery, a detailed interview was conducted that included general and vision-specific health status measures (including the Visual Function 12-Item Scale [VF-12]), patient-reported level of trouble and satisfaction with vision, and questions addressing patients' preoperative expectations regarding the outcomes of surgery. In addition, detailed clinical data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively. A total of 552 patients had only single eye cataract surgery by 4 months postoperatively and are included in this analysis. Results: Patients' preoperative expectations regarding the impact of cataract surgery were very high and were unrelated to their demographic or ocular characteristics. The preoperative VF-12 score, however, was positively correlated with expected postoperative VF-12 score (Spearman correlation,.45, P 75 years) and patients with ocular comorbidity had a larger difference between expected and actual postoperative functioning than younger patients and those without ocular comorbidity. Conclusion: Expectations regarding visual functioning after cataract surgery are very high, and in most cases such expectations are fulfilled. In selected cases, more comprehensive counseling may reduce the discrepancy between expectations and actual outcomes of cataract surgery.

Cataract and latitude.

Abstract: For many years, it has been suggested that exposure to sunlight, particularly its ultraviolet component, may be associated with an increased risk of senile cataract. This paper adresses 1) the physical and geographic variables that affect the entry of ultraviolet light in the eye; 2) the epidemiologic evidence that associates cataract with ultraviolet light exposure; and 3) the effectiveness of personal barrier protection (i.e. sunglasses and hats) in reducing ocular exposure to ultraviolet light. The epidemiologic evidence is drawn from studies in Australia, China, Tibet, and the United States. The U.S evidence consists of data from the Maryland Watermen study and analyses of cataract surgery under the Medicare program which provides health insurance for nearly all Americans age 65 and over (30 million) and pays for 85% of the 1.3 million cataract extractions performed annually in the U.S. Analysis of the Medicard data shown that, after controlling for age, sex, and race, and income of the population and also controlling for supply of ophthalmologists, optometrists, price of surgery and local practice costs, the strongest predictor of cataract surgery likelihood in a Medicare benificiary is the person's latitude of residence. Latitude correlates directly with the UV-B content of sunlight, because the incident angle of the sun determines the atmospheric penetration of ultraviolet radiation. Data suggest that the probability of cataract surgery in the U.S. increases by 3% for each 1 degree decrease (i.e. more Southerly) in latitude.

Long-term results of combined trabeculectomy and small incision cataract surgery

Abstract: We did a prospective study of 49 eyes (36 patients) with coexisting cataract and glaucoma who had combined trabeculectomy, phacoemulsification, and implantation of a folded polyHema intraocular lens through the trabeculectomy opening. Preoperatively, intraocular pressure (IOP) was controlled ( 20 mm Hg) in 36 eyes on a mean of 2.4 medications. Preoperative visual acuity ranged from 20/40 to hand movements. At the end of the follow-up, IOP was below 18 mm Hg in all eyes (100%), without therapy in 39 (80%) and with reduced therapy in 8 (16%). Two (4%) eyes were controlled on the same medication regimen. Visual acuity improved in 42 patients (86%); 38 (78%) achieved a visual acuity of 20/40 or better. A filtering bleb was observed in 45 eyes (92%). The most common early postoperative complication was fibrin exudation into the anterior chamber. Late complications included posterior synechias and vision-impairing capsule opacifications. Visual acuity improved after neodymium:YAG laser treatment in all eyes with opacification without further complications. We conclude that the combination of small incision cataract surgery and trabeculectomy is a successful surgical approach for long-term visual rehabilitation and glaucoma control.

Combined Pars Plana Vitrectomy, Phacoemulsification, and Intraocular Lens Implantation in the Capsular Bag: A Comparison to Vitrectomy and Subsequent Cataract Surgery as a Two-Step Procedure

Abstract: .BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE : To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combined surgery. .PATIENTS AND METHODS : Combined surgery (CS) consisting of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), phacoemulsification, and implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) in the capsular bag was performed on 26 patients. Another 26 had phacoemulsification with PC IOL insertion one to 84 months (mean 17.3) after PPV (sequential surgery, SS). Mean follow-up was 21.9 months after CS and 19.5 months after the cataract surgery in the SS group. The data were analyzed in a prospective, nonrandomized fashion. .RESULTS : Visual acuity and refraction, astigmatism, accuracy of biometry, intraocular pressure, intraoperative, postoperative and long-term complications, and medical treatment were comparable in the two groups. Among the four uveitis patients in each group, transient fibrin formation was more frequent with CS (100%) than with SS (25%). The advantages of CS are that only one operation is needed, intraoperative working conditions are good, macular recovery is not masked by postvitrectomy cataract formation, and ideal lens centration is achievable. Potential disadvantages of CS include a longer operative time and increased technical demand, shrinkage of the anterior capsular opening, which may interfere with fundus view, and increased inflammation may be seen in patients with preexisting uveitis. .CONCLUSION : Combined surgery in selected patients is a safe and effective approach, and outcomes are comparable to sequential surgery.

Adherence of bacteria to intraocular lenses: a prospective study.

Abstract: AIMS--The study was designed to investigate the bacterial flora of the operating field during routine cataract surgery and the source of intraocular lens contamination during the surgery. METHODS--The normal flora of the external eye and fornices of 17 patients undergoing selective cataract surgery was determined preoperatively. Swabs taken from the eyelid surface and lashes showed coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) in 90%, Propionibacterium acnes in 62%, Corynebacterium sp in 18%, and Peptostreptococcus in 3% of the patients. The lower fornices of 70% had CNS, 47% P acnes, 6% Staphylococcus aureus, 6% Corynebacterium sp, and 6% Candida. RESULTS--A sterile PMMA intraocular lens was touched on the upper bulbar conjunctiva immediately before the surgery. Eighty two per cent of lenses grew CNS, 18% P acnes, 18% Bacillus sp, 12% S aureus, and 6% Corynebacterium sp. A second sterile PMMA intraocular lens was left on the drape and near the eye during surgery. Forty seven per cent of these cultured CNS, 12% Corynebacterium sp, and 6% Bacillus sp. A high count of bacteria in the operating field, especially CNS and P acnes can contribute to postoperative inflammation and endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION--Special measures are needed before and during the surgery to reduce the chance of intraocular inoculation of these bacteria. Use of proper culture media and techniques are necessary to identify these organisms, especially anaerobes, in postoperative inflammation.

Visual acuity following extracapsular cataract extraction in diabetes: A meta-analysis

Abstract: Although pre-operative retinopathy severity appears to be a major factor in determining the visual outcome of diabetic extracapsular cataract extraction, its precise relationship to post-operative visual acuity is ill defined. A meta-analysis was therefore carried out, and studies were included if pre-operative maculopathy and retinopathy status was sufficiently defined to permit discrimination of visual outcome between subgroups. Weighted mean proportions of eyes achieving a post-operative visual acuity > or = 6/12 were as follows: no retinopathy, 87%; non-proliferative retinopathy with no maculopathy, 80%; quiescent proliferative retinopathy with no maculopathy, 57%; non-proliferative retinopathy with maculopathy, 41%; quiescent proliferative retinopathy with maculopathy, 11%; active proliferative retinopathy, 0. Differences in visual outcome between groups were significant (chi 2 = 119.9, p < 0.0005), attributable mostly to the trend across groups (chi 2 for trend = 115.4, p < 0.0005). Logistic regression indicated that maculopathy was a more potent predictor of post-operative visual acuity < or = 6/12 (odds ratio 6.4, 95% CI 4.13-9.94, p < 0.0005) than quiescent proliferative retinopathy (odds ratio 3.33, 95% CI 2.04-5.42, p < 0.0005). The severity of retinopathy and maculopathy prior to cataract surgery in diabetics are the major determinants of post-operative visual acuity. Further study of the relationship between pre-operative retinopathy severity and the incidence of post-operative complications, progression of retinopathy and maculopathy is required to optimise the management of cataract in diabetes.

Comparison of endothelial cell loss and phacoemulsification energy during endocapsular phacoemulsification surgery

Abstract: We counted central corneal endothelial cells and measured corneal thickness in 64 human eyes before and three months after cataract extraction and posterior chamber lens implantation. Cataract surgery was the same in all patients and included capsulorhexis and posterior chamber phacoemulsification of the nucleus. Total phacoemulsification energy and time were recorded. A heparin-surface-modified intraocular lens or a regular poly(methyl methacrylate) lens, both having the same design and a 5.0 mm optic, was implanted in the capsular bag with the aid of sodium hyaluronate (Healon). Mean endothelial cell loss was 4%. However, the change in cell density did not correlate with the total phacoemulsification energy used during surgery. Three months after surgery, the central corneal thickness was the same as it had been preoperatively. The results suggest that phacoemulsification in the posterior chamber is a safe procedure even in cases with a hard nucleus.

Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lenses: Long-Term Results in Pediatric Cataract Patients

Abstract: Major problems in pediatric cataract patients include noncompliance with contact lenses resulting in amblyopia. Advances in intraocular cataract surgery have provided a better environment to perform intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in children. We prospectively analyzed the results of 34 consecutive pediatric patients who underwent cataract removal and insertion of an IOL. Operative technique performed was posterior scleral beveled or frown incision and IOL endocapsular fixation. Subgroups included 10 eyes with traumatic cataract, and 24 eyes with developmental cataracts. Six patients had bilateral lOLs. Data presented in each subgroup included initial and final visual acuity, age, sex, type of cataract, A and B scan biometry, early and late postoperative complications, time of YAG capsulotomy, postoperative refractive correction, and state of binocular vision. Preoperative visual acuity ranged from 20/70 to light perception. The success rate for postoperative visual acuity of 20/40 or better occurred in 29 of 34 eyes, or 85.3%. In the traumatic cataracts, 8 of 10 eyes (80%) obtained 20/40 vision or better. In developmental cataracts, 21 of 24 eyes (88%) achieved visual acuity of 20/40 or better. Amblyopia (three patients) or macular scar (two patients) accounted for reduced visual acuity in the five eyes with vision less than 20/40. Early complications included posterior synechiae and lens deposits. The primary late complication was opacification of the posterior capsule in 18 of 34 eyes. The average time for YAG capsulotomy post-cataract removal was 17 months. None of the 28 patients (34 eyes) developed glaucoma, IOL dislocation, or other significant postoperative problems related to IOL insertion. Modern cataract surgery with posterior scleral beveled or frown incision and IOL fixation in the capsular bag is a safe, effective method of obtaining useful vision in pediatric patients ages 2 to 18.

Prediction of visual function after cataract surgery. A prospectively validated model.

Abstract: Objective: To develop a model to predict visual functional improvement after cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation based on preoperative data. Design: A prospective study with serial evaluations of visual function preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months after surgery. Setting: The General Eye Service of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Mass, and 33 ophthalmology practices in Boston. Patients: Patients (N=426; ages, ≥65 years) who were undergoing cataract surgery. Methods: Twelve-month improvement in visual function was measured by using the Activities of Daily Vision Scale (ADVS). Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify correlates of improved ADVS scores in 281 patients (derivative set). Potential factors included the preoperative visual acuity, preoperative ADVS score, four chronic ocular diseases, eight medical conditions, and demographic characteristics. Five predictors were identified and used to construct a prediction rule. The accuracy of the prediction rule was evaluated in an independent group of 145 patients (validation set). Results: Postoperatively, 40% of the 281 patients in the derivative set had substantial improvement in their ADVS scores, and 53 (19%) had some improvement. Predictors of improvement included younger age (P Conclusions: Preoperative data can identify patients who are likely to have improvements in visual function after cataract surgery. Such findings may be useful in the selection of patients for this high-volume procedure.

Comparison of generic versus disease-specific measures of functional impairment in patients with cataract.

Abstract: The increased demand for health status measures in evaluating medical interventions has increased the importance of clarifying when to use generic versus disease-specific health status measures. The authors compared the performance of a well known generic health status measure, the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), and a disease-specific measure of functional impairment related to vision (the VF-14) in detecting functional impairment in 426 cataract patients before and at 12 months after first eye cataract surgery. Using analysis of covariance models, the associations were assessed between the SIP and VF-14 and four criterion variables--patient ratings of trouble and satisfaction with their vision and overall health, and best corrected visual acuity--after controlling for patient age and medical comorbidities. Preoperative patient ratings of trouble and satisfaction with vision were significantly associated with VF-14 scores (P < 0.001), but not with SIP scores. Preoperative visual acuity in the better eye was significantly associated with both VF-14 and SIP scores (P < 0.001). Patient general health ratings were significantly associated with SIP scores (P < 0.001), but not with VF-14 scores. Postoperative changes in patient ratings of their vision and in visual acuity were significantly associated with changes in VF-14 scores (P < 0.05), but not with changes in SIP scores. Changes in patient ratings of overall health were significantly associated with changes in SIP scores (P < 0.01), but not with changes in VF-14 scores. In patients undergoing cataract surgery, a disease-specific health status measure is more sensitive to preoperative functional impairment related to vision, and to change in functional impairment after cataract surgery, than is a generic health status measure.

Combined phacoemulsification, endoscopic ciliary process photocoagulation, and intraocular lens implantation in glaucoma management.

Abstract: The safety and efficacy of combined cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with endoscopic ciliary process photocoagulation in glaucoma management was evaluated. Ten patients with uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma and cataract prospectively underwent concomitant phacoemulsification, endoscopic ciliary process photocoagulation, and posterior chamber IOL implantation. With a mean follow up of 19.2 months, the mean intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased from 31.4 mm Hg preoperatively to 13.5 mm Hg postoperatively, an absolute decrease of 57%. This represented a significant decrease for each of the patients. The visual acuity of each also improved. Transient vitreous hemorrhage developed in one patient, but no cystoid macular edema or any other significant complications occurred and all eyes were quiet. There were no lens implant dislocations. There was no progressive visual field loss at 1 month post surgery, but such loss was noted in one patient 1 year after treatment. Good IOP control on no medical therapy was attained in one half of the patients. It may be concluded that this combined procedure provided effective management of cataract and glaucoma with a minimum of postoperative care. The safety and efficacy of this approach as compared with cataract surgery combined with filtration remains to be determined.

Inferior oblique muscle injury from local anesthesia for cataract surgery

Abstract: Background: Vertical rectus muscle injury is commonly cited as a cause of strabismus after cataract surgery. Injury to the inferior oblique muscle or nerve as a complication of cataract surgery has not been described previously. Methods: Four patients without pre-existing strabismus who had diplopia after cataract surgery were studied. Analysis included prism and cover testing, Lancaster red-green testing, and fundus torsion assessment. Results: Three patients had a delayed-onset hypertropia with fundus extorsion in the eye that underwent surgery, which is consistent with inferior oblique muscle overaction secondary to presumed contracture. The fourth patient had an immediate-onset hypotropia with fundus intorsion in the eye that underwent surgery, which is consistent with inferior oblique muscle paresis. Damage to a vertical rectus muscle or «unmasking » of a pre-existing superior oblique muscle paresis could not explain the history and findings in this group of four patients. Conclusion: The inferior oblique muscle contracture observed in three patients may have been caused by local anesthetic myotoxicity, whereas the paresis observed in one patient may have been due to mechanical trauma or anesthetic toxicity directly to the nerve innervating the muscle. Inferior oblique muscle or nerve injury should be considered as another possible cause of postoperative strabismus, especially when significant fundus torsion accompanies a vertical deviation