The prevalence of capsular opacification was studied in a group of patients who had extracapsular cataract extraction from 1978 to 1980 by one surgeon. In 94 eyes the follow-up was longer than four years. Capsular opacification developed in 41% of these eyes. In 72% of the eyes with opacification the diagnosis was made more than two years after surgery. In the patients who were operated on during 1980, capsular opacification appeared later and less frequently than in those operated on during 1978. Although the difference was not statistically significant, it probably reflects improved technique and more meticulous cleaning of residual cortex. Patients younger than 40 years had a higher prevalence of capsular opacification (70%) than those older than 40 years (37%). Pseudophakic and aphakic patients had a similar prevalence--47.6% and 39.7%, respectively.

No abstract

Detachment of Descemet's membrane is a rare but serious complication of cataract surgery. Most surgeons attempt to reposition the membrane by injecting air, slow-reabsorbing gases, or viscoelastic substances into the anterior chamber. We describe five cases of subtotal detachment without rolled scroll. These cases recovered spontaneously after two to three months. We believe that conservative treatment in such cases is indicated and has a good chance of favorable outcome.

No abstract

The concentrations of PI tolerated by animal endothelium in vitro and in vivo were higher than the reported bactericidal levels. These findings justify further investigation of the safety and efficacy of PI for intracameral prophylaxis during surgery.