Large air bubble in the Berger space during cataract surgery

Abstract

For treating retinal or Descemet membrane detachment, an expansive gas is purposefully injected into the vitreous cavity or the anterior chamber. However, it is important to consider the potential complications associated with gas injection, such as intraocular pressure elevation, intraocular lens (IOL) opacification, and gas bubble migration. It is crucial to deal effectively with unexpected intraocular air bubbles. The Berger space is an interspace between the posterior lens capsule and the anterior vitreous hyaloid that provides potential for gas bubble migration. In this study, the features and management during cataract surgery for an individual with a large air bubble in the Berger space is described. A 26-gauge needle was used to puncture the posterior capsule and aspirate the gas bubble; however, this intraoperative strategy was considered inappropriate. Other strategies, such as pars plana aspiration and posterior capsule capsulorhexis before IOL implantation, may be considered in similar cases in the future.