'Layer by layer' phacoemulsification in posterior polar cataract with pre-existing posterior capsular rent.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a new technique of 'Layer by Layer' phacoemulsification in eyes with posterior polar cataract with pre-existing posterior capsular rent (PCR).

METHODS: Layer by layer phacoemulsification was performed in eight eyes of eight patients of posterior polar cataract with pre-existing posterior capsular rent. All the patients had evidence of a posterior capsular defect showing presence of iridescent refractile lens particles in vitreous with onion skinning of central dense plaque.

RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 43.75+/-2.5 years and six patients were men. All the eyes had vertical posterior capsular defect irrespective of the site of entry of phaco probe. Vitrectomy was not required in any of the eyes. Single piece foldable acrylic intraocular lens was implanted in the bag in all the eyes. The mean preoperative best corrected visual acuity was 0.14+/-0.05, which improved to 0.77+/-0.27.

CONCLUSION: Our technique of 'Layer by layer' phacoemulsification is an effective and safe technique for the management of posterior polar cataract with pre-existing PCR.