Yemeni experience with phacoemulsification.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the first experience of phacoemulsification in Yemen from 2000-2007 regarding the visual results, and complications. METHODS Two hundred and fifty-eight eyes of 182 adult patients with significant cataract were included during the last 96 months. All eyes underwent phacoemulsification with implantation of intraocular lenses. The results were recorded and statistically analyzed. RESULTS The male:female ratio was 1:1, with an average age of 52 years. Phacoemulsification was carried out by scleral approach in 14 eyes, and by clear corneal approach in 244 eyes. A visual acuity of > or = 6/18 was achieved in 85.3%, and the most common serious complication was intraoperative posterior capsule rupture, which was reported in approximately 10.1%. CONCLUSION The results of phacoemulsification are very impressive, and the most common intraoperative complication was ruptured posterior capsule.