Use of a Sheets' Glide as a Pseudoposterior Capsule in Phacoemulsification Complicated by Posterior Capsule Rupture

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of using a Sheets' glide as a pseudo-posterior capsule to facilitate completion of phacoemulsification of the lens' nucleus following posterior capsule rupture during phaco. STUDY DESIGN: Intra- and postoperative review of Sheets' glide surgical technique used on five adult patients undergoing phacoemulsification who developed a posterior capsule rupture while the nucleus was still in the bag. SETTING: Norwood Clinic, outpatient ophthalmic department, Birmingham, Alabama, USA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Efficacy of Sheets' glide PC technique in management of this surgical complication. RESULTS: Each patient was successfully treated by manoeuvring the Sheets' glide to occlude the PC posteriorly, thus permitting completion of the removal of residual nucleus by phaco through a 5 to 6 mm scleral incision with an open posterior capsule. CONCLUSION: Although emulsification of the nucleus after PC rupture generally poses significant risk of loss of nuclear debris into the vitreous cavity, insertion of a Sheets' glide between the torn capsule and the nucleus may be safely and effectively used to act as a pseudo-posterior capsule to facilitate completion of the case using phacoemulsification.