Anterior segment optical coherence tomography for demonstrating posterior capsular rent in posterior polar cataract

Abstract

George D Kymionis,1,2 Vasilios F Diakonis,1 Dimitrios A Liakopoulos,1 Konstantinos I Tsoulnaras,1 Nektarios E Klados,1 Ioannis G Pallikaris11Institute of Vision and Optics, Department of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; 2Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USAAims/purpose: To report the preoperative use of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) for the determination of pre-existing posterior capsule defect in patients with posterior polar cataract.Methods: Three patients presented with posterior polar cataract and were evaluated preoperatively using AS-OCT, revealing in one patient intact posterior capsule and in the other two a pre-existing posterior capsule defect not detectable by slit-lamp evaluation. All patients underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation.Results: Intraoperatively, AS-OCT findings were confirmed after cataract surgery in all patients. No intra- or late postoperative complications were noted.Conclusion: AS-OCT could be an additional useful imaging modality in these patients, essential for surgical planning and patient consultation.Keywords: posterior capsular cataract, phacoemulsification, cataract complications, posterior capsular rupture, anterior segment optical coherence tomography