Cataract surgery assisted by anterior endoscopy.

AIM The aim of the present study is to evaluate the feasibility of endoscopy-assisted phacoemulsification, intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and anterior segment manoeuvres like synechiotomy where conventional surgery through a microscope view was not possible due to corneal opacification. METHODS This is a prospective, non-comparative, case report series of nine consecutive patients who underwent endoscopy-assisted anterior segment surgery in Al Bahar Eye Center in Kuwait. A fused fibre-optic type of endoscope was used to aid in performing phacoemulsification, to identify the position of haptics of IOL and synechiotomy. RESULTS Out of a total of nine patients, seven patients underwent endoscopic-assisted phacoemulsification. In case 7, the endoscope was used to sever irido-corneal synechae. In case 8, the endoscope was used to identify the position of the haptics of IOL in a partially dilated pupil. In case 9, endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) was done after phacoemulsification. Vision improvement occurred in all cases. No intraoperative or postoperative complications related to either the surgery or the use of the endoscope were observed. CONCLUSION The ophthalmic microendoscope appears to be safe and effective in simultaneously providing illumination, video recording and a clear endoscopic view of the anterior chamber. This study demonstrates that in selected cases, anterior segment endoscopy is a useful adjuvant to cataract surgery.