Dislocation of the lens nucleus into the vitreous cavity after standard hydrodissection.

Purpose: Having encountered dislocation of the lens nucleus into the vitreous cavity immediately after continuous tear capsulorhexis and hydrodissection of the nucleus, we examined common features of eyes with this complication.

Methods: We reviewed consecutive cases of cataract extraction.

Results: The complication occurred in four of 10,126 eyes. All four eyes were in elderly patients and except for the patient whose contralateral eye had pseudoexfoliation syndrome, all eyes had an increased axial length.

Conclusion: In elderly patients with eyes that have a long axial length or pseudoexfoliation, we recommend performing hydrodissection with extreme care and only when necessary.