Continuous Tear Capsulotomy Research Articles

Cataract surgical techniques. Preferences and underlying beliefs.

To characterize the intraoperative procedures employed by cataract surgeons in the United States and the beliefs underlying the practices, a standardized questionnaire was sent to a systematic random sample of members of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 1992. Of 667 surveyed ophthalmologists, 550 completed the questionnaire (response rate, 82.5%). Phacoemulsification was used for more than 75% of routine cataract surgery by 46% of respondents, whereas standard extracapsular surgery was used for more than 75% of routine cataract surgery by 41% of respondents. Preferential use of phacoemulsification was independently associated with more recent graduation from medical school and higher reported annual surgical volume. Continuous tear capsulotomy was employed by 52% of ophthalmologists. Preference for this technique was independently associated with both the use of phacoemulsification and higher annual surgical volume. Seventy-one percent of respondents used retrobulbar anesthesia, whereas 28% used peribulbar anesthesia. Use of peribulbar anesthesia was independently associated with both greater surgical volume and performance of surgery in an ambulatory surgical center. Beliefs regarding comparative safety and effectiveness were reported to influence surgeons' preferences strongly among all of the competing techniques studied. Those performing phacoemulsification, in comparison with those performing extracapsular cataract extraction, reported that the expectation of reduced astigmatism and shorter recovery time strongly influenced their choice of procedure. Variation in preferred intraoperative techniques is substantial for cataract surgery and the beliefs that underlie the preferences. Such variation highlights the need to determine which techniques maximize patient outcomes and are most cost-effective.

CONTINUOUS TEAR CAPSULOTOMY AND PHACOEMULSIFICATION DURING PENETRATING KERATOPLASTY/REPLY

CONTINUOUS TEAR CAPSULOTOMY AND PHACOEMULSIFICATION DURING PENETRATING KERATOPLASTY/REPLY

Continuous Tear Capsulotomy and Phacoemulsification Cataract Extraction Combined With Penetrating Keratoplasty

Continuous tear capsulotomy, or capsulorhexis, permits secure and precise placement of a posterior chamber intraocular lens. This technique can be used open sky during triple procedures combining penetrating keratoplasty with cataract extraction and intraocular lens insertion. Expression of the nucleus through a continuous tear capsulotomy can be difficult. Incisions in the anterior capsule facilitate nucleus expression but can extend, obviating the advantages of continuous tear capsulotomy. With phacoemulsification using low irrigation and adequate ultrasound power, the nucleus can be completely emulsified or fragmented into easily removable pieces. This permits continuous tear capsulotomy to be part of triple procedure surgery.

One-step forceps for capsulorhexis

There are several popular methods for creating a continuous-tear capsulotomy, or capsulorhexis, which usually involve several instruments and steps. This report describes a new forceps for capsulorhexis that can be used to open the capsule and complete the circular tear in one step. Its unique features are its small size, shortened length, thin, rounded blades with cystotome-type tips for opening the capsule, and round handles for manipulation ease.

Intraocular lens centration with continuous tear capsulotomy

This study was designed to determine whether continuous tear capsulotomy was associated with improved posterior chamber lens centration. Two hundred eyes were divided into two subgroups of 100 patients each. In one subgroup a standard can-opener capsulotomy was performed and in the other, a continuous tear capsulotomy. All other factors including the cataract extraction technique, intraocular lens (IOL) style, the capsular bag placement of the IOL, and the use of viscoelastic material were constant. In this study, IOLs implanted after a continuous tear capsulotomy were found to center more reliably than IOLs implanted after a can-opener capsulotomy (P <.01).

Two-stage capsulorhexis for endocapsular phacoemulsification

The continuous tear anterior capsulotomy or capsulorhexis technique is important for safe, successful cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation surgery. A two-stage continuous tear capsulotomy or capsulorhexis extends the possibility of achieving continuous tear capsulotomy to challenging and complicated cases. In endocapsular phacoemulsification this technique preserves the integrity of the capsule because it prevents the extension of radial tears in the capsule and thus facilitates safe cataract extraction and secure in-thebag IOL placement. The benefits and advantages of the continuous tear capsulotomy are preserved by two-stage capsulorhexis.

Continuous-tear capsulotomy and insertion of a silicone bag lens

Opacification of the posterior capsule and lack of intraocular lens fixation have been recurring problems and have resulted in a gradual shift from sulcus-fixated silicone lenses to bag-fixated silicone lenses. Postoperative capsular contraction, however, can cause capsular tearing in the periphery and intraocular lens decentration. A new method of combining a small circular capsulotomy, cataract removal without anterior capsular rim tearing, and meticulous bag placement of the silicone lens seems to allow centering and secure fixation of the silicone lens.