Purpose: To study the surgical technique of phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens(IOL) implantation in eyes with posterior polar cataract and the managements of intraoperative or postoperative complications.
Methods: Phacoemulsification with removal of posterior plaque, or continuous curvilinear posterior capsulorhexis and foldable IOL implantation were carried out after topical anesthesia in 46 cases (61 eyes) with age ranging from 38 to 78 years old (average 57).
Results: All eyes were implanted foldable IOL. Fifty-one eyes revealed intact posterior capsule, six of which revealed posterior capsule opacification. Ten eyes developed posterior capsule rupture. However, four eyes need to perform anterior vitrectomy. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in one eye with uveitis and secondary glaucoma induced by soft shell of nucleus sank into the vitreous cavity. Fifty-eight in 61 IOL were implanted in the capsular bags, while 3 IOLs were fixed in the ciliary sulcus.
Conclusion: Phacoemulsification with foldable IOL implantation is an effective method to treat posterior polar cataract. Dealing with the posterior plaque during phacoemulsification carefully may decrease intraoperative and postoperative complications and remarkably improve postoperative visual acuity.