Intraoperative and early postoperative results of suction posterior capsulorhexis.

Purpose: To report the intraoperative complications and early postoperative visual results of suction posterior capsulorhexis (SPC).

Setting: Ophthalmology department of a district general hospital, Kent, United Kingdom.

Methods: This prospective observational study included all patients having phacoemulsification who required SPC as a planned procedure or because of posterior capsule tears (128 eyes of 122 patients). All patients were under the care of a single consultant. Intraoperative complications related to the SPC as well as postoperative complications and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in all cases and with best-case analysis (patients with preexisting ocular comorbidity excluded) were noted.

Results: Seven cases (5.5%) of vitreous prolapse occurred; none was specifically related to the SPC. A BCVA of 0.67 (6/9) or better was achieved in 94% of cases (100% of best cases). One retinal detachment (0.8%) occurred 8 months postoperatively that was successfully treated with no loss of BCVA.

Conclusion: Suction posterior capsulorhexis had a low rate of intraoperative complications and did not adversely affect the early visual outcome.