Phacoemulsification with hydrodelineation and OVD-assisted hydrodissection in posterior polar cataract

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the results and complications of phacoemulsification with hydrodelineation and ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD)-assisted hydrodissection for posterior polar cataract (PPC). METHODS: Medical records of 24 eyes from 17 patients with clinical diagnosis of PPC, who underwent phacoemulsification with hydrodelineation and OVD-assisted hydrodissection, were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The incidence of posterior capsule rupture (PCR) was 16.67% (4/24): 2 cases occurred during epinucleus removal, and 2 cases occurred during OVD removal after the implantation of the intraocular lens into the bag. No nucleus piece or lens materials dropped into the vitreous during cataract surgery, and no obvious postoperative complications were found during follow-up. All patients had improved best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 1 month postoperatively. CONCLUSION: OVD-assisted hydrodissection could be an effective technique in phacoemulsification to reduce the incidence of PCR and achieve satisfactory postoperative outcomes.