TACKLING THE DROPPED NUCLEUS

Purpose: To summarize and analyse the results of our experience in tre ating patients with a ''dropped nucleus''. Methods: The case records o f nineteen patients who underwent surgery for a ''dropped nucleus'' at the Ophthalmology Departments of Sahlgren's University Hospital, Goth enburg, and Orebro Medical Centre, Orebro, Sweden during 1994 were ret rospectively reviewed to determine the mode of treatment used and the results of surgery, The frequency of this complication was also calcul ated for Sweden as a whole with the help of the National Cataract Regi ster. Results: The lens nas successfully removed in all eyes, No retin al breaks or detachments mere present at vitrectomy or follow-up. One eye was lost to panophthalmitis 11 days after the vitrectomy; the rema ining 18 eyes showed a favourable outcome. Conclusion: The loss of a c rystalline lens to the vitreous during cataract surgery is a severe co mplication. We recommend that an experienced vitreoretinal surgeon sho uld be consulted at an early stage.