By
Jonathan Yoken, MD
RETAINED
LENS MATERIAL AFTER CATARACT SURGERY
In some cases,
a cataract cannot be removed completely, and some of the lens
material is left behind within the eye.
If the amount
of retained lens material is small, it may dissolve spontaneously.
If there is a large amount of lens material left behind, or if
the eye develops problems with elevated pressure of severe inflammation,
a second procedure can be performed to remove the lens material
and help restore vision.
This surgery,
called a vitrectomy, involves making tiny incisions in the white
part of the eye (the sclera). Microsurgical instruments are used
to suction the lens material from inside the eye. The vitreous
gel--which fills the back of the eye-is also removed in order
to completely clean out all of the lens material and associated
inflammatory debris. A special saline solution is instilled into
the eye as the vitreous and lens material are aspirated.
If necessary,
an intraocular lens can be implanted at the time of the vitrectomy,
or the position of an existing lens implant can be adjusted.
After surgery,
the vision often will remain somewhat blurred as the eye continues
to heal. In most cases, patients requiring surgery for retained
lens material experience very good visual acuity. Less frequently
complications such as swelling of the retina, persistent elevation
of eye pressure, or persistent inflammation can occur. Your doctor
will monitor carefully for these conditions following surgery,
and most can be treated successfully with medication.
