Combined strabismus and phacoemulsification cataract surgery: A useful option in selected patients

Abstract

Purpose. To evaluate the role of combined strabismus and phacoemulsification cataract extraction in patients with symptomatic cataract and strabismus. Methods. Four procedures of combined strabismus and cataract surgery are described in 3 elderly patients with strabismus of differing aetiologies. Two patients underwent one procedure; the other patient underwent two combined procedures, one to each eye. Results. The visual acuity improved in all 3 patients. Post-operative alignment of the visual axis was achieved which allowed resolution of symptomatic diplopia in patient 1, functional binocular single vision in patient 2 and a noticeably reduced compensatory head posture in patient 3. Conclusions. Combined strabismus and cataract surgery is a safe procedure that can optimise visual alignment and improve visual acuity with a minimum number of operations.