Phacoemulsification, persistent hypotony, and cyclodialysis clefts

A retrospective noncomparative case-note analysis of 3 men presenting with persistent hypotony after routine phacoemulsification cataract surgery was performed. All patients had a previous history of significant blunt ocular trauma. All patients had surgical repair of the cyclodialysis clefts, 1 with cleft cryopexy and 2 with formal cleft closure with a limbal-based double scleral flap technique. All patients achieved closure of the cyclodialysis clefts following surgical intervention with complete resolution of hypotony. Mean preoperative intraocular pressures improved from 3, 4 and 3 mm Hg in the 3 cases to 11, 16, and 17 mm Hg postoperatively. Visual acuities improved from preoperative readings of counting fingers, 6/36 and 6/24 in the 3 cases to 6/6, 6/9, and 6/9 postoperatively. Persistent hypotony because of possible activation of a preexisting doormant cyclodialysis cleft following routine atraumatic phacoemulsification cataract surgery in previously traumatized eyes has not been reported.