Visual and anatomic outcomes of cataract surgery with intraoperative or postoperative complications in a teaching institution.

Objective: To review visual and anatomic outcomes after cataract surgery with complications in a teaching institution.

Methods: Consecutive case series. A chart review was conducted of patients who underwent phacoemulsification with intraoperative or postoperative complications, performed by ophthalmology residents under direct supervision of experienced ophthalmology attending physicians. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), OCT parameters, and postoperative treatments were reviewed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Results: One hundred thirty-three eyes were analyzed. Mean BCVA was 50 ± 23 approximate Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters at the preoperative visit and improved by a mean of 8 letters (n = 128; p = 0.001), 16 letters (n = 117; p < 0.001), 14 letters (n = 79; p < 0.001), and 4 letters (n = 34; p = 0.37) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The mean OCT central subfoveal thickness increased by less than 50 μm at all time points and this change was not statistically significant at 12 months. BCVA increased by 3 lines in 41%, 56%, 57%, and 44% of eyes at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Median BCVA was 20/40 or better at each follow-up period. Fifty-three (40%) eyes required a secondary surgical procedure due to intraoperative or postoperative complication. A significant proportion of eyes received anti-inflammatory drops through 1 year.

Conclusions: After cataract surgery with intraoperative or postoperative complications, a majority of eyes experienced substantial visual gains and only mild retinal thickening while being managed with long-term anti-inflammatory drops and additional surgical procedures.