Incidence, management, and outcome of complex cataracts in a tertiary eye set up

Abstract

Aim: To study the incidence, management, and outcome of complex cataract cases in a tertiary eyecare center. Material and methods: Retrospective observational study with analysis of recordsdone for patients who were operated on for complex cataract from December 2019 to February2020. Results: 300/10,000 patients had complex cataracts requiring additional surgical skills,advanced equipment, and better patient counseling. 5.3% (16/300) of patients needed intracameraladrenaline whereas 1.3% (4/300) needed Visco mydriasis. A capsular tension ring was implanted in4.3%(13/300) of patients. 4% (12/300) underwent sphincterotomies whereas 2% (6/300) had toundergo synechiolysis. Iris hooks were used in only 0.6% of patients (2/300). Posterior capsularrent was seen in 1.6%(5/300) which was managed by placing a Posterior chamber IOL in the sulcus.2.6% (8/300) had implantation of the iris-claw lens and 2.3% (7/300) were left aphakic forsecondary IOL to be implanted at a later date. The visual outcome was better than 6/18 in 76% ofpatients. 24% of patients had an improvement in their visual acuity by a line or 2 but was less than6/18 due to corneal degenerations, corneal scarring, Retinal pathologies, and colobomas.Conclusion: Although these cataracts demand more expertise on behalf of the surgeon, theoutcome can be very rewarding if done with proper planning. The knowledge of small incisioncataract surgery is highly valuable in such situations.