Capsular tension ring assisted phacoemulsification of morgagnian cataract

Effect of capsule treatment on visual acuity and quality after phacoemulsification lens implantation in myopic patients with cataract

BACKGROUND

Cataracts pose a significant clinical burden due to their complex pathogenesis. In recent years, an increase in cataracts coexisting with myopia has heightened the incidence of retinopathy and posterior vitreous detachment. Additionally, symptoms of ocular axis elongation, lens nucleus hardening, and vitreous liquefaction have become more prevalent. While conventional extracapsular cataract extraction is commonly employed, it often yields suboptimal visual outcomes. Subsequent advancements in cataract phacoemulsification and lens implantation surgeries have gained widespread acceptance for their ability to improve refraction and significantly improve uncorrected visual acuity.

AIM

To investigate the effect of capsular treatment after phacoemulsification lens implantation in myopic patients with cataract.

METHODS

We selected 110 patients (with 134 eyes) with myopia and cataracts treated. These patients were categorized into two groups: an observation group (57 patients with 70 eyes) and a control group (53 patients with 64 eyes). The control group underwent cataract phacoemulsification and lens implantation, while the observation group received a refined capsular treatment based on the control group's procedure. We assessed the differences in visual acuity and quality between the two groups before and after surgery.

RESULTS

At six months post-operation, the observation group exhibited significantly improved far vision, intermediate vision, near vision, lower objective scattering index, higher Modulation transfer function cut-off frequency, and overall vision metrics at different contrast levels (100%, 20% and 9%) compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The total score of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire in the observation group at 6 months after operation was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). No significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions was observed between the observation group and control group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Capsular treatment demonstrates efficacy in improving visual acuity and quality after phacoemulsification lens implantation in myopic patients with cataracts, warranting its clinical application.

Comparison of three techniques for simultaneous intraocular lens implantation in subluxated cataract surgery: Transconjunctival intrascleral, Z-suture knotless transscleral, and Cionni capsular tension ring assisted

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of three different methods of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in the surgery of subluxated cataracts.

METHODS

In this retrospective, comparative, clinical interventional study, the medical records of patients who underwent IOL implantation with sutureless 27-gauge needle-assisted transconjunctival intrascleral (Group 1), Z-suture knotless transscleral (Group 2), and Cionni capsular tension ring (Cionni-CTR) assisted (Group 3) simultaneously with subluxated cataract extraction between June 2010 and June 2022 were evaluated. Demographic characteristics, follow-up times, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical and cylindrical refractive values, and spherical equivalent (SE) values of three groups were compared. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded.

RESULTS

There were 20 eyes in Group 1, 35 eyes in Group 2, and 40 eyes in Group 3. In all groups, statistically significant improvement was observed in postoperative UDVA and CDVA compared to preoperative values (each p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the groups in postoperative UDVA and CDVA values. (p = 0.130, p = 0.167 respectively). No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of postoperative spherical, cylindrical, and SE values (each p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that three different IOL implantation techniques for simultaneous IOL implantation in subluxated cataract surgery have similar effects on visual and refractive outcomes.

Novel nucleus management technique in hypermature morgagnian cataracts with liquified cortex during phacoemulsification

PURPOSE

To describe a novel nucleus management technique of variable size mobile nucleus in Hypermature Morgagnian cataracts.

METHODS

In this technique, under topical anesthesia, temporal tunnel incision and capsulorhexis were performed, and the capsular bag was inflated with 2% w/v hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. A chopper and phacoemulsification probe were used to consciously nudge the nucleus towards the capsular periphery (fornix) to immobilize the floating nucleus against the capsular bag recess. Firm nuclear impaling was achieved using longitudinal power in linear mode (range 0-70%), 650 mmHg vacuum, and aspiration flow rate of 42 ml/min. The nucleus was chopped by direct chop technique, total separation achieved, and fragments emulsified. Primary outcome measures included ease of nuclear holding, iatrogenic zonular stress/damage, posterior capsule tear, and endothelial cell loss.

RESULTS

This technique was performed in 29 consecutive cases from June 2019 - December 2021, and no intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted. The average phacoemulsification time and cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) were nearly similar in all cases.

CONCLUSION

This technique would make phacoemulsification much safer in eyes with hypermature cataract and liquified cortex with lower complication rates and maintenance of better endothelial integrity.

The Technique of Phacoemulsification and Intraocular Lens Implantation in Subluxated Cataract Surgery

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and practicability of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation for subluxated cataracts. A retrospective review of subluxated cataract surgeries of 19 eyes performed in Kunhua Hospital Affiliated with Kunming University of Science and Technology between January 2017 and June 2021 was conducted. We choose to use the rotate-and-chop phacoemulsification techniques described when the crystal nucleus is rotated out of the capsular bag and simultaneously perform horizontal chops over the capsule. The viscoelastic agent was the important material that filled the capsule to support the capsular bag, and capsular hooks were used in 10 eyes necessarily. Anterior vitrectomy was undergone in 15 eyes. Single-piece intraocular lenses (IOL) were implanted in the capsular bag in 12 eyes including 8 capsular tension ring (CTR) implantation. Three-piece IOLs were fixed scleral layer in 7 eyes. Follow-up was 6 months to 2 years, and all eyes were successfully implanted with centered IOL. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) increased from 0.06 ± 0.04 to 0.62 ± 0.15. The cornea of all patients was clear, the intraocular lens was centered, the pupil was round, and the intraocular pressure was normal. Subluxated cataracts are a challenging surgery. The technique of phacoemulsification in subluxated cataract surgery is a key procedure to rotate and remove the lens from the capsule and at the same time horizontal chops and emulsification over the capsular bag to be performed. Viscoelastic agents and capsular hooks were important choices to support the capsule to reduce the incidence of complications related to the vitreous and retina and prevent the range enlarging of the zonular dialysis. A capsular tension ring was also an effective device to maintain capsular stability. Double-needle-guided scleral interlamellar fixation is an effective and practical method for IOL. Overall, the incision technique explored in this study and the surgical technique to support capsular stabilization provide a safe approach and satisfactory results in cataract surgery for subluxation.

Femtosecond Laser Combined with Double-Flange Polypropylene Suture Capsular Tension Ring Suspension for the Treatment of Subluxation of Lens in Marfan Syndrome

Purpose

To evaluate the use of femtosecond laser combined with double-flange polypropylene suture capsular tension ring (CTR) suspension to treat subluxation of lens in Marfan syndrome. The objective is to provide safer and more effective surgical procedures for patients. Setting. Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China

Methods

In this retrospective study, we observed sixteen patients (16 eyes) with Marfan syndrome who had undergone this operation. Femtosecond laser incision was performed on the anterior capsule with the lens as the center. The suspending CTR was clipped to anterior capsule to support it, which was secured to the sclera with a double-flange polypropylene suture. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), tilt, and decentration of the intraocular lens (IOL) and postoperative complications were evaluated.

Results

All 16 patients were successfully implanted with suspended CTR and IOL after femtosecond laser assisted surgery. Visual acuity improved significantly after surgery (p < 0.01). At 1 month, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively, the tilt of the IOL was 2.70 ± 0.934, 2.65 ± 0.897, and 2.66 ± 0.781, and the decentration of the IOL was 0.30 ± 0.770, 0.30 ± 0.682, and 0.29 ± 0.737; both had no statistically significant difference between the three groups. After the operation, 4 patients had hyphema and 2 patients experienced a temporary postoperative IOP increase. Only one flange was exposed one month after operation and recovered right after secondary adjustment.

Conclusion

Femtosecond laser combined with double-flange polypropylene suture CTR suspension was effective in fixing the lens capsule to the scleral wall in cases of subluxation of lens seen in Marfan syndrome during our short-term observation. The long-term efficacy of this operation needs further observation and follow-up.