Comparison of retinal breaks observed during 23 gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy versus conventional 20 gauge surgery for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Background: To assess the rate and type of retinal break formation in patients undergoing 23 gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy surgery for complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy compared with 20 gauge vitrectomy surgery.

Methods: Retrospective case notes review of two consecutive series of patients who had primary pars plana vitrectomy for complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy by a single surgeon. The control group had standard 20 gauge vitrectomy surgery whilst the second group had 23 gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy surgery.

Alpha antagonists and intraoperative floppy iris syndrome: A spectrum.

Background: To determine occurrence of features of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) during cataract surgery in patients taking systemic alpha-antagonists (AA).

Methods: We prospectively studied patients on AA and who underwent phacoemulsification. The following were recorded: pupil diameter preoperatively, iris flaccidity, iris prolapse and peroperative miosis.

Intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome and finasteride intake.

We report 2 male patients who had bilateral cataract surgery. Both patients had features of the intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome (IFIS) in both eyes, and both were taking oral finasteride for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We conclude that finasteride can be associated with IFIS, so it is important to take detailed medical histories of patients having cataract surgery, paying attention to a history of BPH and its treatment.