Posterior assisted levitation: Long-term follow-up data

Purpose: To report the long-term outcome of posterior assisted levitation (PAL) in cases of a sinking dropped nucleus. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel. Methods: The medical records of all the patients having cataract surgery at Soroka University Medical Center from January 1999 to December 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. The PAL technique was used in 7 eyes, 3 of which had mini-nuc cataract surgery and 4 of which had phacoemulsification. Posterior assisted levitation was done because of an intraoperative posterior capsule tear with vitreous loss and a sinking dropped nucleus. A spatula was inserted via the pars plana, and the nucleus was lifted to and removed from the anterior chamber. Results: The follow-up ranged from 16 to 28 months. The postoperative visual acuity was 20/40 or better in all but 2 eyes, which had 20/50 acuity because of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema, respectively. No postoperative complications were observed. Conclusions: The PAL technique was successfully performed during cataract surgery in 7 eyes with a posterior capsule tear, vitreous loss, and a sinking dropped nucleus. There were no complications over the long-term follow-up.