POSTOPERATIVE BLUNT TRAUMA TO 7.5 MM SCLERAL POCKET WOUNDS

Two patients received blunt trauma to the operated eye after phacoemul sification cataract surgery. Both patients had a three-step 7.5 mm cho rd width, 3.0 mm long, curving incision, extending from sclera into cl ear cornea. One patient had rupture of the scleral tunnel and horizont al suture 20 days after surgery. The intraocular lens was dislocated i nto and along the scleral tunnel. The second patient had direct trauma four days after surgery, resulting in cheese-wiring of the horizontal nylon 10-0 suture and wound leakage but no other sequelae. Blunt trau ma after scleral pocket phacoemulsification cataract surgery may resul t in clinical wound dehiscence if sufficient force is sustained.