IOL IMPLANTATION

IOL implantation can be safely delayed for several months in eyes undergoing cataract removal for improved visualisation during vitreoretinal surgery, a new study shows. The study involved a consecutive case of 21 eyes implanted with IOLs 1.5 months to 19 months after undergoing phacoemulsification. All but one case underwent phacoemulsification to facilitate a vitreoretinal procedure and all were free of severe capsular fibrosis. At one month’s follow-up, the refractive mean error was +0.06 D and the mean absolute error was +0.24 D. The authors noted that the postoperative refractive results were comparable with those of routine cataract surgery. They added that delaying surgery could reduce the amount of biometric errors such as can occur in eyes with a detached retina

(Chen et al, Ophthalmologica 2012; 227:80–84).