Capsulorhexis in intumescent cataract

Preventing the Argentinian flag sign and managing anterior capsular tears: A review

The Argentinian flag sign (AFS) is a feared complication during cataract extraction. Intralenticular pressures, especially excessive posterior pressure, have been identified as potential mechanisms for capsular stress and tearing associated with AFS. Capsular tension is created by positive intralenticular pressures, which cause the irido-lens diaphragm to move anteriorly once the manual capsulorhexis has been initiated. This tension can cause inadvertent tears that self-propagate to the lens equator, causing an AFS, among other intraoperative complications. Thus, this review highlights the importance of identifying intumescent cataracts as well as a combination of techniques to relieve intracapsular pressures needed to prevent AFS. However, some instances of anterior capsular tears are unavoidable. Therefore, focus will also be placed on techniques during cataract extraction used to manage anterior capsular tears, mitigating extension to the posterior capsule.

Flow capsulorhexis: A novel technique in white and hypermature cataracts

We described a novel "flow capsulorhexis" technique in white and hypermature cataracts and compared it with the standard "needle decompression capsulorhexis" technique. Six hundred and eight eyes of 420 patients with intumescent or non-intumescent mature white cataracts who had undergone phacoemulsification or manual small incision cataract surgery with "flow capsulorhexis" (Group 1) or "needle decompression capsulorhexis" (Group 2) were assessed. The mean continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) completion time was 6.6 ± 3.4 seconds in Group 1 and 10.4 ± 4.2 seconds in Group 2 (P < 0.001). The mean number of times for an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) supplement was 0.4 ± 0.2 and 1.8 ± 0.8 in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (P < 0.001). CCC success rate was 95.8% in Group 1 and 87.2% in Group 2 (P = 0.001). The new technique was observed to have better outcomes in terms of surgical time, OVD supplement times, and success rate than the standard needle decompression technique.

[Optimization of phacoemulsification technique for Morgagnian cataract]

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to develop a new optimized phacoemulsification technique for Morgagnian cataract taking into account the anatomical and topographic parameters of the lens nucleus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A working classification of Morgagnian cataract was developed based on the size of the nucleus: if the edge of the nucleus is visualized at the upper edge of the pupil or between the upper edge and the middle of the pupil, it was classified as an initial stage of Morgagnian cataract with a large nucleus; if the upper edge of the nucleus is visualized in the middle of the pupil and below, it was classified as an advanced stage of Morgagnian cataract with a small nucleus. The first group included six patients who underwent surgery using the scaffold technique with removal of the whole small nucleus into the anterior chamber. The second group included 11 patients who underwent surgery using the scaffold technique with removal of the last fragment of the nucleus into the anterior chamber.

RESULTS

The use of the scaffold technique with removal of the nucleus into the anterior chamber helped reduce the number of intraoperative complications to 16.7% in the first group, compared to 27.3% in the second group, and the percentage of endothelial cell loss to 10.1% in the first group, compared to 10.7% in the second group.

CONCLUSIONS

The anatomical and topographic features of the lens and the anterior segment of the eye in Morgagnian cataract with a small nucleus allow for preliminary implantation of an intraocular lens into the capsular bag to protect the posterior capsule during phacoemulsification of the nucleus with minimal mechanical, hydrodynamic and acoustic damage to the surrounding structures of the eye.

30G needle aspiration - A modified technique of capsulorhexis in pediatric cataract with high intra-lenticular pressure

This surgical technique describes a modification of the continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) to achieve an adequate-sized capsulorhexis in pediatric cataracts with high intralenticular pressure. Performing CCC in pediatric cataracts is challenging, especially when the intralenticular pressure is high. This technique involves 30 G needle decompression of the lens to reduce positive intralenticular pressure and subsequent flattening of the anterior capsule. This minimizes the chances of extension of CCC without using any special equipment. This technique was used in two eyes of two patients (age 8 and 10 years) with unilateral developmental cataracts. Both surgeries were performed by a single surgeon (PKM). In both eyes, a well-centered CCC was achieved with no extension, and a posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) was placed in the capsular bag. Thus, our technique of 30 G needle aspiration could be extremely useful to achieve an adequately sized CCC in pediatric cataracts with high intralenticular pressure, especially for beginner surgeons.

Efficacy of femtosecond laser for anterior capsulotomy in complex white cataracts

OBJECTIVE

To determine the advantages and complication rate of capsulotomy performed with femtosecond laser in white complex cataract cases.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixteen eyes of 16 patients.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective review of white cataract surgery cases in which the femtosecond laser (LenSx, Alcon Laboratories, Fortworth, Texas, USA) was used between May 2019 and February 2021. Outcome measures included an assessment of the capsulotomy, identification of tags, surgical time, cumulative dispersed energy (CDE) and postoperative management.

RESULTS

Sixteen eyes of 16 patients were included in this study; capsule tags occurred in six patients (37.5%). In 2 patients, the capsule presented small adhesions that were identified and removed. One patient presented a very significant contraction of the anterior capsule with an incomplete cut zone of 2 to 4hours. In a patient with nystagmus, the capsulotomy was performed without complications under peribulbar anesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS

The femtosecond laser permitted capsulotomies of better shape, size and regularity in complex cases of white cataract and in combination with conditions such as nystagmus and prior corneal transplantation. The microadhesions and untreated areas were identified with trypan blue, which is essential to use in these cases to avoid associated complications.

Real-time intraoperative dynamics of white cataract-intraoperative optical coherence tomography-guided classification and management

PURPOSE

To evaluate morphological characteristics and intraoperative dynamics of different types of white cataract using intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT).

SETTING

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

DESIGN

Prospective interventional study.

METHODS

Fifty eyes with white cataract undergoing phacoemulsification were evaluated. The primary outcome measure was the classification of white cataract based on morphology and intraoperative dynamics on iOCT. The secondary outcome measure was rhexis-related complications.

RESULTS

Four types of white cataract were identified based on iOCT-type I (9 eyes), type II (3 eyes), type III (24 eyes), and type IV (14 eyes). Type I had regularly arranged lamellar cortical fibers, type II had continuous hyperreflective bands of cortical fibers with intralenticular clefts, type III had intralenticular clefts combined with areas of homogenous ground-glass appearance, and type IV had homogenous ground-glass appearance of the anterior lens cortex. Capsulorhexis in type I cataract was uneventful. In type II cataract, cortical bulge was observed in the anterior chamber on creating the initial nick, indicating raised intralenticular pressure (ILP) with an imminent risk of rhexis extension. A bimanual irrigation/aspiration was performed until lowering of ILP was observed on iOCT. In types III and IV, fluid release was observed on initiation of rhexis leading to partial (type III) or complete (type IV) lowering of ILP, with a mild-moderate risk of capsulorhexis extension. A continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis was achieved in all cases, with no case of posterior capsular tear or vitreous loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative OCT helped elucidate intraoperative dynamics of the spectrum of white cataracts and facilitates completion of capsulorhexis.

Capsule milking: Modification of capsulorhexis technique for intumescent cataract

We describe a single-stage modification of the continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis that facilitates creation of a well-sized round and centered capsulorhexis in an intumescent cataract. This is done without special instrumentation. The modification is based on overcoming the problem of high intralenticular pressure. It involves physically flattening the central anterior capsule, specifically over the site of puncture, simultaneous puncture and aspiration for decompression, followed by flattening of the midperiphery of the lens where the capsulorhexis can be safely initiated. This minimizes the tendency of capsulorhexis runaway and allows 1-stage creation of a well-sized capsule opening for phacoemulsification.

Lens capsule-related complications of femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy versus manual capsulorhexis for white cataracts

PURPOSE

Comparison of lens capsule-related complications resulting from femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy and manual capsulorhexis in patients with white cataracts.

SETTING

Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Medical School, Hangzhou, China.

DESIGN

Prospective consecutive nonrandomized comparative cohort study.

METHODS

Selected patients were divided into a femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery group (FLACS group) and a conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery group (CPCS group). Each case was recorded as either a type I or type II white cataract. Here, type I was characterized by the presence of a liquefied cortex, whereas type II had a solid cortex. Five experienced phacoemulsification surgeons conducted all surgeries. Lens capsule-related events, including anterior capsule tears, posterior capsule ruptures (PCRs), incomplete capsulotomies, and irregular capsulorhexes were recorded; surgical parameters, postoperative visual acuities, and intraocular lens (IOL) decentrations were evaluated.

RESULTS

The study comprised 132 eyes of 132 patients (66 in each group). Anterior capsule tears were significantly more common in the CPCS group than the FLACS group (12.1% versus 0%). All 8 cases of anterior capsule tears were type I cases. Six FLACS cases developed incomplete capsulotomies, four of which were type I cases. The incidences of PCRs and vitreous loss were the same. Capsulotomy produced better circularity index and diameter stability than capsulorhexis. IOLs were better centered in the FLACS group than the CPCS group. The mean ultrasound power, absolute phaco time, effective phaco time, and postoperative visual acuities were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with CPCS, FLACS decreased the risk for anterior capsule tears in white cataracts, especially in type I cases. However, it did not reduce the incidence of PCR. Incomplete capsulotomy during FLACS could happen in white cataracts. Using FLACS on white cataracts enabled more precise capsulotomies and better-centered IOLs.

Phacoemulsification Outcomes with Different Illumination Techniques

PURPOSE

To compare surgeon experience and the outcomes of phacoemulsification using 2 different illumination techniques for cataract extraction.

METHODS

A prospective interventional case series was performed on 20 consecutive patients (20 eyes) with senile cataract who underwent phacoemulsification enhanced with a 23-G endoillumination probe. The main outcome measures were the surgeon's perception of depth of field and quality of visibility of intraocular structures, ease of performance of the surgical procedure, effectiveness, and complications related to the procedure. A surgeon-specific questionnaire was administered at the end of the procedure.

RESULTS

Surgery was successfully performed in all patients without any complications. The surgeon indicated that lateral endoillumination markedly enhanced the details of the lens structures, mainly the posterior capsule visualization, better than the coaxial lighting with the surgical microscope. Lateral endoillumination created an enhanced 3D effect and improved the depth perception of lens intraoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The lateral illumination technique with a 23-G endoilluminator probe placed in the anterior chamber through a paracentesis creates an enhanced 3D effect and improves depth perception of lens during phacoemulsification. These benefits increase the safety of the procedure.

[Ultrasound biomicroscopy for examination of the anterior segment of the eye in patients with intumescent cataract]

According to a prospective review study by H. Gimbel, A. Willerscheidt (1993), among 2967 cataract cases analyzed in 1991, mature intumescent cataract was observed in 34 (1.15%) patients.

PURPOSE

To determine the parameters of the ocular anterior segment in patients with intumescent cataract and in their fellow eyes using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) for identification of differential characteristics of intumescent cataract.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The results of preoperative diagnostic examination of the anterior segment of the eye with UBM of 21 patients (21 eyes) with intumescent cataract and their 21 fellow eyes (42 eyes in total) were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean anterior chamber depth according to UBM was 1.96±0.108 mm (from corneal endothelium), in the fellow eyes - 2.74±0.11 mm. The anterior chamber angle was 11.54±2.19°, in the fellow eyes - 20.63±4.08°. The lens thickness in the eyes with intumescent cataract was 5.26±0.13 mm, in the fellow eyes - 4.34±0.09 mm. The length of Zinn ligaments in the external, interior and superior ocular segments of the main group eyes were equal, in the inferior segments they were longer by 0.1 mm. The difference in Zinn ligament length in the eyes with intumescent cataract and fellow eyes was approximately 0.1-0.15 mm in all segments. The equatorial angle in the eyes with intumescent cataract was 32.52±0.92°, in the fellow eyes - 14.85±1.09°.

CONCLUSION

A differential symptom of intumescent cataract was identified - complete spherophakia, as confirmed by a specific UBM sign: increase of the equatorial angle by 17° in comparison with the fellow eye, while the length of Zinn ligament remains equal in all segments.

Endoilluminator-assisted pediatric cataract surgery with hazy cornea

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the usefulness of endoilluminator in pediatric cataract with hazy corneas. We describe a series of three cases of pediatric cataract where visualization of intraocular structures was inadequate under the operating microscope. The endoilluminator was held at the limbus with light directed obliquely to visualize the details of intraocular structures against the hazy cornea using oblique illumination. It allowed structures behind the hazy cornea to be seen with ease. A simple modification in surgical procedure of pediatric cataract using an endoilluminator helps in better visualization of intraocular structures in difficult situations.

[Determination of intralenticular pressure in patients with intumescent cataract]

When the lens swells, a liquefied lenticular substance that increases intralenticular pressure accumulates in the lens bag making it difficult to perform standard capsulorhexis. Thus, determination of the intralenticular pressure value is of great importance for safe intumescent cataract phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE

To develop a technology for intralenticular pressure measurement in patients with intumescent cataract and to construct a mathematical model for its prognosis according to preoperative examination data.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Intralenticular pressure was measured in 11 eyes with intumescent cataract. Before that, the following parameters of the anterior compartment of the eye were examined: anterior chamber depth, lens thickness according to ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), hypoechogenic layer (the anterior layer of liquefied lenticular masses), equatorial angle.

RESULTS

The intraoperative technology of the intralenticular pressure measurement was developed. The direct dependency between thickness of the swelling lens, hypoechogenic layer value (the anterior layer of liquefied lenticular masses), anterior chamber depth and intralenticular pressure magnitude was defined.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, the intraoperative intralenticular pressure was measured in patients with intumescent cataract. A dependency was defined between the thickness of the lens and the anterior layer of liquefied lenticular masses, anterior chamber depth, and intralenticular pressure magnitude; based on this, a mathematical model for intralenticular pressure measurement was constructed.

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery for the white cataract

Aim

To report the capsulotomy and lens fragmentation outcomes of white cataracts managed with the femtosecond laser (FL).

Methods

Outcomes of a prospective, observational consecutive case series of white cataracts (June 2012–November 2016) that underwent FL-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) (Victus, Bausch+Lomb, Munich, Germany) at the Singapore National Eye Centre were audited. Data collected: patient demographics, type of white cataract, levelness of docking, anterior capsule position following laser, completeness of capsulotomy and fragmentation, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 1 month, intraoperative complications. Outcome measures: capsulotomy integrity, fragmentation capability and BCVA at 1 month.

Results

58 eyes of 54 patients underwent FLACS. White cataract types included dry white (24 eyes), intumescent (28 eyes) and Morgagnian (6 eyes). Docking was level in 22 eyes (38.6%). Following FL, the anterior capsule level dropped in 20 eyes (34.5%). Incomplete capsulotomies occurred in 10 eyes (17.2%). Lens fragmentation attempted in 38 eyes was effective or partially effective in 31 eyes (81.6%). No anterior or posterior capsule tears occurred. LogMAR BCVA at 1 month was 0.073 (SD 0.09). Risk factors for incomplete capsulotomy were Morgagnian cataract and lens thickness (multiple logistic regression, p<0.01 and p=0.03, respectively).

Conclusion

The main complication of FLACS in white cataracts was incomplete capsulotomy (17.2%), significantly associated with Morgagnian cataracts and increased lens thickness. Lens fragmentation was effected in four-fifths of white cataracts but should be avoided in Morgagnian cataracts due to possible overlap of the lens fragmentation plan and the anterior capsule.

[Intumescent cataract surgery]

Intumescent cataract surgery is one of the topical problems of ophthalmology. The article reviews methods of intumescent cataract diagnostics and structural features of swelling lens. Manual or femtolaser-assisted anterior continuous circular capsulorhexis and intumescent cataract phacoemulsification techniques require further research.

Lens decompression technique for prevention of intraoperative complications during phacoemulsification of intumescent cataract

Purpose:

To evaluate intraoperative complications during phacoemulsification of intumescent cataract using lens decompression technique.

Methods:

Participants with intumescent cataract scheduled for phacoemulsification were recruited and divided into two groups. In both groups, after the anterior capsule was stained with trypan blue, the anterior chamber was filled peripherally with a dispersive ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) followed centrally by a higher viscosity cohesive OVD (Healon GV). In Group 2, a 25-gauge needle was then inserted into the lens center and liquid cortex aspirated by pulling back on the syringe plunger. The outcomes measured were the incidence of capsular radial tears and the incidence of conversion to extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE).

Results:

In Group 1 (20 eyes), capsular radial tears occurred in four eyes, and in two eyes, the procedure had to be converted to ECCE. In Group 2 (20 eyes), no capsular radial tears or conversion to ECCE was reported.

Conclusion:

Lens decompression technique reduced the risk of capsular radial tears and conversion to ECCE during phacoemulsification of intumescent cataract.

Twenty-nine-gauge dual-chandelier retroillumination for the non-open-sky continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis in the penetrating keratoplasty triple procedure

We describe a technique for the penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) triple procedure that uses 29-gauge dual-chandelier illumination during creation of a non-open-sky continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC). The chandeliers are inserted through the pars plana into the vitreous cavity through the bulbar conjunctiva at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. We compared this approach with that of a core vitrectomy, in which a single 25-gauge port is inserted into the vitreous cavity transconjunctivally through the upper temporal pars plana. The area of halation around the corneal opacity was significantly smaller in the 29-gauge group than in the 25-gauge group. The reduction in halation improved visibility of the anterior capsule and enabled the surgeon to perform CCC with greater safety. The 29-gauge chandelier system was more suitable than the 25-gauge chandelier system for the non-open-sky CCC component of the PKP triple procedure.

Comparative evaluation of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and conventional phacoemulsification in white cataract

PURPOSE

To compare femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy with conventional manual capsulorhexis in cases of white cataract.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The prospective comparative study enrolled 80 eyes (80 patients) with white cataract that underwent either femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (Group I, n=40) or conventional manual phacoemulsification (Group II, n=40) at a tertiary care ophthalmic institution. The groups were divided based on the patient's choice and affordability of the procedure. Capsulotomy/capsulorhexis was evaluated in terms of size, circularity index (4Π [area/perimeter2]), intraocular lens coverage, and continuity. Each group was further subdivided based on the release of white milky fluid on initiation of the capsulotomy/capsulorhexis, and the "fluid" cases were compared with the "no-fluid" cases. The primary outcome measure was capsulotomy/capsulorhexis characteristics in the two groups. The secondary outcome measures were intraoperative phacoemulsification parameters, intraoperative complications, and postoperative visual acuity.

RESULTS

The size of the capsulotomy/capsulorhexis was 4.9±0.1 mm in Group I and 5.3±0.4 mm in Group II (P<0.001). Mean circularity index was 0.996±0.003 and 0.909±0.047 in Groups I and II, respectively (P<0.001). In Group I, free-floating circular capsulotomies were obtained in 52.5% (21/40) eyes; 37.5% (15/40) eyes had microadhesions; and 10% (4/40) eyes had incomplete capsulotomy in 1-2 clock hours. The incidence of residual adhesions was more in cases with release of white milky fluid (P=0.003). In Group II, a multistep capsulorhexis was performed in 70% (28/40) of the eyes. There was no difference in terms of visual outcomes and intraoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery has the advantage of creating a circular and optimally sized capsulotomy in cases of white cataract. The release of white milky fluid during femtosecond laser delivery is the most important factor affecting the creation of a free-floating capsulotomy.

Anterior Capsulotomy Outcomes: A Comparison Between Two Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery Platforms

PURPOSE

To compare capsulotomy outcomes between two femtosecond laser platforms for cataract surgery.

METHODS

This retrospective case series included 205 eyes of 162 consecutive patients (75 male and 87 female) aged 68.32 ± 10.27 years (range: 38 to 92 years) who underwent femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) using either the LenSx (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX) or the Catalys (Abbott Medical Optics, Abbott Park, IL) laser platform. Intraoperative assessment of the capsulotomy was performed and graded as one of the following four types: complete treatment pattern (type 1), microadhesions (type 2), incomplete treatment pattern (type 3), and complete pattern but not continuous (type 4).

RESULTS

Ninety-seven eyes underwent FLACS using the LenSx platform and 108 eyes using the Catalys platform. Ninety-four capsulotomies in the LenSx group were graded as type 1 (96.91%), and three were graded as type 2 (3.09%); all capsulotomies in the Catalys group were graded as type 1 (100%). There was no statistically significant difference between the LenSx and Catalys groups (P > .05). No intraoperative complications (specifically, no posterior capsular extension or vitreous loss) were noticed in any of the eyes included in the study.

CONCLUSIONS

The LenSx and Catalys laser platforms demonstrate similar capsulotomy outcomes. The microadhesions that were demonstrated in three cases in the LenSx group did not lead to intraoperative or postoperative complications.

Chandelier retroillumination-assisted cataract surgery during vitrectomy

PurposeTo present an alternative cataract surgical technique in patients with cataract and intravitreal hemorrhage.MethodsTwelve cases with poor fundus reflex caused by severe vitreus hemorrhage were included in the study. All patients underwent combined phaco surgery and 23-gauge vitrectomy. Chandelier retroillumination was inserted into the infusion trochar during the cataract operations and was used with low power (50-75%) in necessary steps.ResultsWe did not experience phaco complications or complications due to technique during surgery. Retroillumination assistance was especially useful during final stages of cataract surgery, particularly irrigation-aspiration of cortical material.ConclusionRetroillumination in absence of red fundus reflex may be helpful and can be practiced more often in cataract surgery combined with vitrectomy.

[Surgical treatment of mature intumescent cataract]

AIM

To improve phacoemulsification technique of mature intumescent cataract and to study mechanisms of possible uncontrolled tearing of the anterior lens capsule during creation of the anterior capsulorhexis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two groups were formed. Group 1 consisted of 52 patients with mature intumescent cataract, in whom a two-stage capsulorhexis was performed with lenticular masses removed from the anterior and posterior capsular bag compartments in between the two stages. Group 2 consisted of 55 patients with mature intumescent cataract, whose capsulorhexis was standard.

RESULTS

We have specified appropriate methods for diagnosing intumescent cataract and thoroughly investigated the mechanism of uncontrolled tearing of the anterior capsule that can occur during creation of the anterior capsulorhexis. Five structural variants of the swollen lens have been described. As to surgical complications, there were 2 cases (3.8%) of small anterior capsulorhexis tearing in group 1 that were managed by converting the capsulorhexis into the a bigger one and, thus, did not affect surgical outcomes. In group 2, there were 7 cases of uncontrolled tearing of the anterior capsule during creation of the anterior capsulorhexis, in 4 of them (7,3%) the posterior capsule got also involved.

CONCLUSION

1. It has been found that on ultrasound biomicroscopy, mature intumescent cataract is notable for a 10--15° wider equatorial angle as compared to the fellow eye, which can be regarded as spherophakia. 2. Five different structural variants of the swollen opaque lens have been described. 3. The mechanism of uncontrolled tearing of the anterior capsule during creation of the anterior capsulorhexis has been studied and the expediency of two-stage capsulorhexis with lenticular mass removal from capsular bag compartments proved.

Assessment of intraoperative complications in intumescent cataract surgery using 2 ophthalmic viscosurgical devices and trypan blue staining

PURPOSE

To evaluate intraoperative complications during capsulorhexis and phacoemulsification in intumescent white cataracts using 2 ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) techniques.

SETTING

Ruhr University Eye Clinic, Bochum, Germany.

DESIGN

Case series.

METHODS

Patients with eyes with intumescent white cataract were recruited and placed in 2 groups. After capsule staining using trypan blue, a central indentation of the anterior lens capsule was created in the eyes in Group 1 using a medium-viscosity OVD (Healon 1.0%) and in the eyes in Group 2 using both medium-viscosity (1.0%) and high-viscosity (2.3%) OVDs. Then a continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) was performed. The outcomes measured were the horizontal and vertical diameters of the CCC, the deviation from the target diameter, and intraoperative complications.

RESULTS

In Group 1 (21 eyes), deviation from the target CCC diameter occurred in 12 eyes (10 oversized, 2 undersized), and in Group 2 (20 eyes) deviation occurred in 6 eyes (4 oversized, 2 undersized). In Group 1, capsule tears appeared in 2 eyes and in 1 eye, the procedure had to be converted to extracapsular cataract extraction with anterior vitrectomy. In Group 2, there were no capsule tears.

CONCLUSION

Using 2 different OVDs and placing the high-viscosity OVD centrally led to safe indentation of the anterior lens capsule and reduced the risk for CCC enlargement and capsule tear during surgery.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Efficacy of chandelier illumination for combined cataract operation and penetrating keratoplasty

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to describe a method for non–open-sky continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) with chandelier retroillumination for penetrating keratoplasty triple procedure and report its effectiveness in decreasing intraoperative complications and enabling successful primary intraocular lens (IOL) insertion in patients with moderate or dense central corneal opacities.

Methods:

Seventeen eyes of 17 patients were enrolled in this study, divided into a chandelier group, including 7 eyes of 7 patients, and a nonchandelier group, including 10 eyes of 10 patients. In each group, time to achieve CCC (in seconds), open-sky time (in seconds), and operation time (in minutes) were measured, and the rates of successful CCC completion, rupture of the posterior capsule or zonule of Zinn, and successful IOL insertion were recorded.

Results:

CCC time was not significantly different in both groups. In the chandelier group, however, open-sky time and operation time were significantly shorter than in the nonchandelier group (1429 ± 67 vs. 2016 ± 354 seconds, and 90.4 ± 3.5 vs. 108.9 ± 10.3 minutes, respectively). In the chandelier group, the rate of successful CCC completion was significantly higher than in the nonchandelier group (86% vs. 30%). The rates of posterior capsule or zonule of Zinn rupture and successful IOL insertion were not significantly different (14% vs. 40%, 14% vs. 10%, and 86% vs. 70%, respectively).

Conclusions:

Non–open-sky CCC with chandelier illumination has many advantages for penetrating keratoplasty triple procedure compared with open-sky CCC without chandelier illumination.

Surgeon-controlled-endoillumination-guided irrigation and aspiration during combined 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy and cataract surgery in eyes with poor fundus reflex

We describe a surgeon-controlled-endoillumination-guided irrigation and aspiration (I/A) technique that can be used to polish the posterior capsule during combined 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy and cataract surgery in eyes with a poor red fundus reflex. In a dark room with the microscope light turned off, the surgeon holds and controls a 23-gauge endoilluminator with the left hand to achieve better retroillumination during I/A. Using surgeon-controlled endoillumination, it is possible to follow and guide the posterior capsule area undergoing I/A. The excellent visibility of the posterior capsule facilitates posterior capsule polishing with no intraoperative complications.

Mini-rhexis for white intumescent cataracts

PURPOSE

To compare the intraoperative safety of two techniques of capsulorhexis for intumescent white cataracts: traditional one-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and two-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis.

METHODS

This prospective comparative randomized study included two groups: the 1-CCC group (11 patients) received traditional one-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis with 5-6 mm diameter, and the 2-CCC (13 patients) group received a deliberately small continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis that was secondarily enlarged, or a two-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis. Patients were stratified according to cataract subset, which was characterized echographically. Six patients were considered as type 1, fifteen as type 2 and three as type 3. Type 1 included intumescent white cataracts with cortex liquefaction and extensive internal acoustic reflections, type 2 included white cataracts with voluminous nuclei, a small amount of whitish solid cortex, and minimal internal acoustic reflections, and type 3 included white cataracts with fibrous anterior capsules and few internal echo spikes.

RESULTS

With the one-stage technique, 46.15% of patients had leakage of the liquefied cortex; in addition, the surgeon perceived high intracapsular pressure in 61.53% of cases. Anterior capsule tears occurred in 23.07% of cases, discontinuity of capsulorhexis in 30.79% of cases and no posterior capsular rupture occurred. With the two-stage technique, leakage of the liquefied cortex occurred in 45.45% of cases; additionally, the surgeon perceived high intracapsular pressure in 36.36% of cases. No anterior capsule tears, discontinuity of capsulorhexis or posterior capsular rupture occurred. Considering each cataract subset, there was a higher incidence of leakage for type 2 as compared to types 1 and 3.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis helps prevent unexpected radial tears of the initial capsulotomy from high intracapsular pressure, sudden radialization of the CCC and other intraoperative complications due to high intracapsular pressure, thus providing a safe cataract surgery in cases of white cataracts. These findings were supported by ultrasonography.

Endoillumination-assisted cataract surgery in a patient with corneal opacity

We present a technique to better visualize cataracts through corneal opacity. A 70-year-old Japanese woman with retinal detachment, cataract, and corneal opacity in the left eye was treated with phacoemulsification, 3-port vitrectomy, and intraocular lens implantation. To circumvent the difficulty of performing continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) and subsequent cataract surgery through a hazy cornea, we used an endoilluminator as a light source outside the cornea for CCC and inside the anterior chamber for phacoemulsification. As a result, CCC and subsequent cataract surgery were successfully and easily performed despite potentially troublesome corneal opacity. The use of an endoilluminator can be an effective supportive measure for cataract surgery in patients with corneal opacity.

Preoperative neodymium:YAG anterior capsulotomy in intumescent cataract: preventing extension of the capsular tear to the lens periphery

Extension of the capsulotomy into the periphery is a well-known complication of cataract surgery in young patients with intumescent cataracts. We report such a case successfully treated preoperatively with a neodymium:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy.

Continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis in intumescent or hypermature cataract with liquefied cortex

We describe a technique to prevent milky liquefied cortical matter from obscuring the view of the anterior chamber and radial tears caused by high intracapsular pressure in eyes with hypermature or intumescent cataract. The continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) is created in a sealed anterior chamber without capsule staining or viscoelastic material. Ninety-four consecutive CCCs were performed by a single surgeon over 24 months using the method. A successful CCC was achieved in all eyes. Four cases had complications that occurred late in the surgery and were not related to the CCC.

Phacoemulsification in eyes with corneal opacification

We describe a technique in which transcorneal illumination with a fiber-optic light probe is used to safely perform phacoemulsification in cataractous eyes with dense corneal opacification. The technique was used in 3 eyes of 3 patients. No surgical complications occurred, and all eyes had improved visual acuity. Indications and further refinement of the technique and instrumentation are discussed.

Techniques for managing common complications of cataract surgery

Cataract surgery has evolved dramatically over the last two decades, largely as a result of technological advances. As a result, visual outcomes and patient convalescence have improved significantly. A second consequence of increased instrumentation and technology, however, is increased complexity of cataract surgery and the advent of complications unique to these advances. Cataract surgeons must be aware and capable of managing the many possible adverse events that can occur during cataract surgery. This review identifies many of the common complications of cataract surgery, describes methods to avoid these complications and discusses techniques to address complications that do occur. It is the ability to avoid, quickly identify, and properly manage complications that defines the accomplished cataract surgeon.