Mechanized anterior capsulectomy as an alternative to manual capsulorhexis in children undergoing intraocular lens implantation.

Abstract

Although manual capsulorhexis is an ideal anterior capsulectomy technique for adults, it is more difficult to perform in very young eyes because the capsular bag is more elastic. Our mechanized anterior capsulectomy technique has compared favorably with manual capsulorhexis in the laboratory using autopsy eyes. We now report the results of circular mechanized anterior capsulectomy in consecutive pediatric patients receiving a posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) after cataract extraction. Twenty eyes of 17 consecutive patients between 6 months and 13 years of age underwent a mechanized anterior capsulectomy followed by IOL implantation into the capsular bag. The integrity of the anterior capsular edge was evaluated at the completion of capsulectomy, prior to IOL insertion, and at the end of surgery. A single radial tear developed in three eyes (15%) of two patients (12%). In the remaining 17 eyes (85%), an intact circular capsulectomy edge was verified at the completion of the mechanized capsulectomy, at the end of IOL insertion, and at the completion of surgery. Complete in-the-bag capsular fixation of the IOL was accomplished in all 20 eyes. Both patients who sustained radial tears were older children (age 11 years). All IOLs remain well centered behind a smooth circular anterior capsular edge after a minimum follow up of 6 months. A mechanized anterior capsulectomy technique can produce a circular capsular opening that resists tearing during lens aspiration and IOL insertion. The vitrector-cut capsulectomy performed well even in the youngest patients in whom manual capsulorhexis would have been difficult to control.