Phacoemulsification Surgery in Patients with Cataract Formation After Intravitreal Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide

Purpose: To evaluate the results and complications of phacoemulsification surgery due to various factors in patients with cataract formation after intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA). Materials and Methods: Forty-five eyes of 32 patients with cataract formation that had developed after one or multiple IVTA injections wore included in the study. Among these patients, 28 eyes had diabetic macular edema, 7 eyes had branch retinal vein occlusion, 2 eyes had central retinal vein occlusion, 4 eyes had choroidal neovascular membrane due to age-related macular degeneration, 2 eyes had uveitic cystoid macular edema and 2 eyes had posterior uveitis. The mean age of the patients was 52.4 +/- 11.0 years, and all patients underwent standard phacoemulsification surgery with foldable intraocular lens implantation. Results: Minimal hemorrhage developed during surgery in 2 patients with diabetic retinopathy. After anterior chamber lavage, there was no hemorrhage after surgery and during the following days. Postoperatively, transient intraocular pressure elevation treated with topical antiglaucomatous medication was observed in 5 eyes. Seven eyes required Nd:YAG laser therapy due to posterior capsule opasification after a mean follow-up time of 8.5 months. Conclusion: There were no additional complications secondary to IVTA injection during or after phacoemulsification surgery in patients with cataract formation following IVTA injection.