Novel use of a Fowler’s bed for phacoemulsification in a patient with kyphosis

Phacoemulsification is conventionally performed with the patient in a fully supine position and the head aligned flat to facilitate optimal visualization of the surgical field. Anatomical deformities such as kyphosis preclude routine positioning of the patient for surgery. Earlier described approaches either are technically challenging or require equipment which is not routinely available in all eye care hospitals. We describe a 74-year-old male patient with kyphosis secondary to ankylosing spondylitis who underwent phacoemulsification with IOL implantation using the commonly available two-way adjustable Fowler bed for positioning.