IOVS 2027

Background: Cataract surgery in an eye with pre-existing retinal detachment presents a surgical challenge because of the potential risk of retinal detachment progression and uncertain visual prognosis. Evidence regarding cataract extraction in eyes with longstanding, stable partial retinal detachment is limited.

Case Presentation: A 57-year-old patient with high axial myopia and a 20-year history of severe bilateral visual impairment was evaluated. Axial length was 30.2 mm in the right eye and 30.4 mm in the left eye. The right eye had total retinal detachment treated with vitrectomy 20 years previously and had no light perception. The left eye had a partial temporal retinal detachment in the temporal region and a hypermature cataract, with visual acuity limited to light perception.

Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation was performed in the left eye despite the pre-existing retinal detachment. The procedure was completed without intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, visual acuity improved to 0.1 (logMAR 1.0), while the pre-existing retinal detachment remained stable without postoperative retinal complications.

Conclusion: This case demonstrates that phacoemulsification can be performed in a selected eye with partial retinal detachment without apparent progression of the retinal detachment. Unexpected visual improvement following cataract extraction further highlights the potential functional benefit of surgery despite limited preoperative visual acuity.

Iroda Abdullayeva is a medical doctor and researcher with a background in clinical medicine and medical education. She graduated from Central Asian University in 2025 and entered residency in ophthalmology. Her academic interests include evidence-based medicine, clinical research, and healthcare education, with a particular focus on improving the quality and application of medical research in clinical practice. She is currently pursuing a Master’s program in research methods.