Surgical management and scheimpflug analysis of an atypical lens coloboma

Abstract

A lens coloboma is not a true coloboma; it is just a zonular absence that causes a defect in the lens equator and hence a more spherical lens. It can be isolated or in association with iris, choroid or retinal colobomas. Typically the defect is present at the site of the embryonic fissure, but it can be present elsewhere. This congenital defect can cause amblyopia, especially when it is associated with cataract. We describe a case of a 39-year-old male with an atypical coloboma that was managed successfully with phacoemulsification, capsular tension ring and intraocular lens implantation. Scheimpflug image analysis and full ophthalmological assessment were performed. Scheimpflug images demonstrated a notching of the lens equator and an absence of zonulae. During the surgical procedure an ophthalmic viscosurgical device was used to tamponade the vitreous, and after continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis the capsular tension ring was inserted to allow the surgeon to perform a safe phacoemulsification. © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.