Manual small incision cataract surgery for subluxated cataract with lens coloboma

Introduction

The lens coloboma results from a segmental defective or absent development of the zonules. It is usually unilateral and bilateral cases are rare. These eyes are at greater risk of complications during cataract surgery due to ocular malformations. In addition the capsular bag requires stabilization using modified capsule tension ring, capsular tension segment or capsular anchor.

Methods

Lens extraction is indicated for cataract or subluxation if visual function is sufficiently compromised. We report our surgical experience in a patient with bilateral isolated lens coloboma by performing manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) in left eye and phacoemulsification in right eye.

Results

The nuclear rotation was hampered because of the lack of zonules and presence of lens coloboma. MSICS was converted to the intracapsular technique in left eye, though breaking the nucleus into pieces during phacoemulsification in right eye enabled its mobilization and successful completion with implantation of modified capsule tension ring.

Conclusions

A patient with lens subluxation and lens coloboma is better managed by phacoemulsification as compared to the MSICS.