Closed foldable capsular rings

Glued endocapsular hemi-ring segment for fibrin glue-assisted sutureless transscleral fixation of the capsular bag in subluxated cataracts and intraocular lenses

Surgical expertise, prolonged surgical time, suture-related problems, and delayed intraocular lens (IOL) subluxation or dislocation due to broken sutures are limitations of suture fixation of the capsular bag to the scleral wall. We describe a new device made of IOL haptic material (polyvinylidene fluoride) that allows sutureless fibrin glue-assisted transscleral fixation of the capsular bag to address these issues. The device has a hemi-ring portion that lies in the capsular fornix and a double scroll mechanism that engages the capsulorhexis rim. The scroll extends forward as a haptic that is exteriorized through a sclerotomy under a lamellar scleral flap and tucked into a scleral tunnel. The flap is closed with fibrin glue. The device is used for subluxated cataracts and IOLs. It anchors the capsular bag to the sclera, giving vertical and horizontal stability, while providing fornix expansion and allowing stabilization of the bag intraoperatively and postoperatively. The device has been used in 4 patients who had good intraoperative and postoperative courses over a 5-week period.

Effect of a closed foldable equator ring on capsular bag shrinkage in cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of a closed foldable equator ring (CFER) versus a conventional capsular tension ring (CTR) on capsular bag shrinkage.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 70 eyes of 70 patients were randomized to 2 groups using a 1:1 block scheme. After uneventful cataract surgery, a capsular measuring ring was implanted in all eyes to measure the capsular bag diameter in vivo. In Group 1, a CTR was implanted in the capsular bag. In Group 2, a CFER was inserted. Biometric characteristics such as axial length and the horizontal and vertical corneal radii were measured preoperatively. The capsular bag diameter and capsulorhexis diameter were measured intraoperatively and 2 or 3 days as well as 1 and 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant or clinically relevant between-group differences in covariants such as axial length, vertical and horizontal corneal radii, and capsulorhexis diameter. Eyes with the CTR had slight but statistically significant capsular bag shrinkage from a median of 10.4 to a median of 10.2 mm after 3 months (P<.001). Eyes with the CFER also had slight but statistically significant capsular bag shrinkage from a median of 10.3 to a median of 10.2 mm 3 months postoperatively (P = .021). At baseline, the CTR group had a larger capsular bag diameter, but there were no statistically significant differences between the groups at the 3-month follow-up (P = .669).

CONCLUSIONS

No clinically relevant capsular bag shrinkage was observed after implantation of a CFER or a CTR. The expected capsular bag shrinkage was the same in both groups.