Complications of posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation after capsular tear during phacoemulsification

OBJECTIVE: To determine the visual outcome and complications of posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation after capsular tear in patients undergoing phacoemulsification. METHODS: The patients who underwent phacoemulsification surgery for senile cataract from January, 1999, to December, 2002, were reviewed. Patient inclusion criteria were implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens after phacoemulsification, being operated on by one of the surgeons, and a follow-up of at least 1 year. There were 64 eyes in the group with capsular tear and 164 eyes in the group with intact capsule. RESULTS: A final visual acuity of 0.8 or more in the group with intact capsule was more common. Complications such as retinal detachment, cystoid macular edema, increased intraocular pressure and decentration of the intraocular lens were more frequently observed in eyes with capsular tear. CONCLUSIONS: A final visual acuity in the group with intact capsule was more better than that in the group with capsule tear. Complications such as retinal detachment, cystoid macular edema, increased intraocular pressure and decentration of the intraocular lens are more common in these patients with capsular tear, and therefore they should be observed for a longer period of time.