Cataract extraction after silicone oil repair of retinal detachments due to necrotizing retinitis
M. L. Meldrum, T. M. Aaberg, A. Patel and J. Davis
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Fla, USA.
Cataract is common after silicone oil repair of retinal detachment due to
necrotizing retinitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Surgical
management has not been reported. Twenty-two eyes of 19 patients were
reviewed. The majority underwent phacoemulsification with a posterior
chamber convexoplano implant without iridotomy Complications included
capsular fibrosis and hyphema. Unpredictable refractions in the first 16
eyes prompted refinement of lens calculations and resulted in a reduction
in refractive errors. A 3-step modification of intraocular lens
calculations is recommended: (1) use of specific sound velocities to
calculate axial length; (2) use of convexoplano lenses; and (3) addition of
a constant to the lens power to compensate for the refractive index of
silicone oil. Good surgical technique and accurate lens calculations should
improve management of cataracts that arise after retinal detachment repair
with silicone oil in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
