Anterior segment optical coherence tomography for demonstrating posterior capsular rent in posterior polar cataract

AIMS/PURPOSE: To report the preoperative use of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) for the determination of pre-existing posterior capsule defect in patients with posterior polar cataract. METHODS: Three patients presented with posterior polar cataract and were evaluated preoperatively using AS-OCT, revealing in one patient intact posterior capsule and in the other two a pre-existing posterior capsule defect not detectable by slit-lamp evaluation. All patients underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. RESULTS: Intraoperatively, AS-OCT findings were confirmed after cataract surgery in all patients. No intra- or late postoperative complications were noted. CONCLUSION: AS-OCT could be an additional useful imaging modality in these patients, essential for surgical planning and patient consultation.