Iris hooks and capsular tension ring for a subluxated lens in patients with cataract

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficiency and safety of iris hooks and a capsular tension ring (CTR) for treatment of a subluxated lens in patients with cataract.Methods This study was comprised of 22 patients (22 eyes) with cataract and a subluxated lens.Among these patients:13 had traumatic cataracts,4 had Marfan syndrome,3 had a suspensory ligament broken during phacoemulsification,and 2 had unclear reasons for a subluxated lens.A 3.2 mm clear corneal incision was made with a continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC).Four disposable iris hooks were inserted through the incisions and placed in the capsulorhexis to support the capsule and a CTR was implanted.Phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were performed.Results The capsular tension ring and IOL were smoothly implanted in all patients.After the operation,all patients had improved visual acuity,and the intraocular lens was basically in the normal position without tilting or obvious decentration in all the eyes.The follow-up period lasted for 6-36 months.Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.2-0.4 in 6 eyes,0.5-0.8 in 11 eyes,and over 0.8 in 5 eyes.Four of the eyes were examined at a follow-up of one year or more after cataract surgery.No serious complication such as retinal detachment was seen in any patient.Conclusion The use of iris hooks and CRT in cataract patients with a subluxated lens extracted by phacoemulsification can improve stability and reduce complications.This procedure is an effective supplemental device in cataract surgery. Key words: Lens subluxation ; Phacoemulsification ; Intraocular lens ; Iris hook ; Capsular tension ring