Determination of Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography for Demonstrating Posterior Capsular Rent in Posterior Polar Cataract

Aims/Purpose: To describe the preoperative use of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in patients with posterior polar cataract to determine the presence of a pre-existing posterior capsule defect.

Methods: Three patients presented with posterior polar cataract and were evaluated preop- eratively using AS-OCT, revealing in one patient intact posterior capsule and in the other two a pre-existing posterior capsule defect not detectable by slit-lamp evaluation. All patients underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation.

Results: We used AS-OCT in our case studies, which is an imaging method that overcomes the limitations of slit-lamp scanning. In instances 2 and 3, we found a ruptured posterior capsule, while case 1 had an unbroken capsule. The inability to detect a "real" capsular defect could be a shortcoming of this imaging technology, since the optical density of the overlaying lens opacity could lead to false positive results.

Conclusion: AS-OCT could be an additional useful imaging modality in these patients, essential for surgical planning and patient consultation.