Deslocamento espontâneo do núcleo do cristalino para câmara anterior / Spontaneous displacement of the lens nucleus into the anterior chamber

RESUMO Ao longo da vida, o cristalino produz novas fibras dispostas de forma concêntrica, que aumentam seu diâmetro anteroposterior e peso, tornando seu núcleo mais compacto e endurecido. A catarata hipermadura é uma forma de progressão avançada dessa proliferação de fibras, que pode desencadear uma variedade de complicações. A ruptura espontânea da cápsula anterior do cristalino, evoluindo com deslocamento anterior do núcleo, é uma complicação rara e com poucos casos publicados na literatura. Descrevemos o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino, 68 anos, que apresentou ruptura espontânea da cápsula anterior do cristalino com deslocamento anterior do núcleo em olho esquerdo sem histórico de trauma ocular. A paciente foi submetida à facoemulsificação do cristalino e ao controle da pressão intraocular, evoluindo com melhora do quadro clínico.

ABSTRACT Throughout life, the lens produces new fibers arranged concentrically, which increase its anteroposterior diameter and weight, making its nucleus more compact and hardened. Hypermature cataract is an advanced stage of this fiber proliferation, which can trigger a variety of complications. Spontaneous rupture of the anterior lens capsule evolving with anterior displacement of the nucleus is a rare complication, with few cases published in the literature. We describe the case of a 68-year-old female patient, who presented spontaneous rupture of the anterior lens capsule with anterior displacement of the nucleus in the left eye, without a history of ocular trauma. The patient underwent phacoemulsification and clinical control of intraocular pressure, improving her condition.

Evaluation of efficacy of new lens nucleus fragmenting forceps in cataract surgery / Avaliação da eficácia de uma nova pinça fragmentadora de núcleo do cristalino para cirurgia de catarata

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of low-cost nucleus fragmenting forceps designed to reduce the use of ultrasound during phacoemulsification. Methods: A total of 60 pig eyes enucleated 10 hours before were placed in the microwave oven, at maximum power for 10 seconds, to form cataracts with hardness comparable to a grade IV nucleus in the Lens Opacities Classification System III. Cataract extraction was performed using the Centurion® phacoemulsifier (Alcon Laboratories, Geneve, Switzerland) and Leica M620 microscope. All eyes were submitted to the pre-chop technique dividing the nucleus into four parts. After the pre-chop, the quadrants in 30 eyes were phacoemulsified with the torsional mode and were fragmented in the remaining 30 eyes after the pre-chop was with the fragmentation forceps before torsional mode phacoemulsification. The device was calibrated for all eyes by applying the following parameters: 40% linear torsional phacoemulsification; intraocular pressure of 65 mmHg; the linear vacuum of 600 mmHg; aspiration flow of 40 ccs/minute. After each procedure, the following was recorded: cumulative dissipated energy; equivalent average torsional amplitude; equivalent average ultrasonic power; estimated aspirated fluid; ultrasound total time; and total aspiration time. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction favoring the use of the nucleus fragmenting forceps in all parameters, except for the average torsional amplitude. Conclusion: The use of the nucleus fragmenting forceps contributed to improving the efficacy of torsional phacoemulsification in enucleated pig eyes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia de uma pinça fragmentadora de núcleo, de baixo custo, desenvolvida para reduzir o uso de ultrassom durante a emulsificação do núcleo. Métodos: Sessenta olhos de porco com 10 horas de enucleação foram colocados no forno de microondas, em potência máxima por 10 segundos, para a formação de catarata com dureza comparável à de um núcleo grau IV na Lens Opacities Classification System III. A extração da catarata foi realizada com o facoemulsificador Centurion® (Alcon Laboratories, Genebra, Suíça) e microscópio Leica M620. Todos os olhos foram submetidos a técnica de pre-chop, dividindo o núcleo em quatro partes. Em 30 olhos, após o pre-chop, foi feita a facoemulsificação dos quadrantes com o modo torsional e, nos outros 30 olhos, após o pre-chop, cada quadrante foi fragmentado com a pinça antes da facoemulsificação com o modo torsional. O aparelho foi calibrado para todos os olhos com os seguintes parâmetros: faco torsional linear 40%; pressão intraocular 65 mmHg; vácuo linear 600mmHg e fluxo de aspiração 40cc/minuto. Após cada procedimento, verificaram-se energia dissipada acumulada; média da amplitude do faco torsional; média equivalente do poder ultrassônico; líquido aspirado estimado; tempo total de ultrassom e tempo total de aspiração. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o teste de Kruskal-Wallis com o IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Valor de p<0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significante. Resultados: Houve redução estatisticamente significante em favor do uso da pinça fragmentadora de núcleo em todos os parâmetros, menos na média de amplitude do faco torsional. Conclusão: O uso da pinça fragmentadora de núcleo contribuiu para melhorar a eficácia do faco torsional em olhos de porco enucleados.

Deslocamento espontâneo do núcleo do cristalino para câmara anterior / Spontaneous dislocation of the lens nucleus to the anterior chamber

Resumo Ruptura espontânea da cápsula anterior do cristalino, evoluindo com deslocamento anterior do núcleo é uma complicação rara da catarata hipermadura. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino, 79 anos, que se apresentou com ruptura espontânea da cápsula anterior do cristalino com deslocamento anterior do núcleo em olho direito sem histórico de trauma ocular. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pela visualização das abas da cápsula anterior, principalmente quando o núcleo foi removido. Realizamos facoemulsificação do núcleo pelo risco de descompensar a córnea. É importante destacar a raridade do caso, sendo o primeiro relatado no Brasil.

Abstract Spontaneous rupture of the anterior lens capsule, evolving with anterior dislocation of the lens nucleus is a rare complication of hypermature cataract. We report a case of a female patient, 79 years old, who presented with spontaneous rupture of the anterior lens capsule with anterior dislocation of the nucleus in the right eye with no history of ocular trauma. The diagnosis was confirmed by the visualization of the tabs of the anterior capsule, especially when the nucleus was removed. We perform phacoemulsification of the nucleus by the risk of decompensating the cornea. It is important to highlight the rarity of the case, the first being reported in Brazil.

Comparative analysis of the nuclear lens opalescence by the Lens Opacities Classification System III with nuclear density values provided by Oculus Pentacam: a cross-section study using Pentacam Nucleus Staging software / Análise comparativa da opalencência nuclear cristaliniana pelo Lens Opacities Classification System III com valores de densidade nuclear fornecidos pelo Oculus Pentacam: estudo transversal utilizando o Pentacam Nucleus Staging software

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical classification of cataract using the Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) III with the mean values of lens density provided by the Pentacam Scheimpflug System in nuclear cataracts. METHODS: One hundred and one eyes from 101 patients with age-related nuclear cataract were submitted to clinical examination for lens grading score using LOCS III. According to LOCS III, nuclear opalescence was divided in six groups. Patients were evaluated by the Pentacam Scheimpflug System for the mean lens density using the Pentacam lens densitometry program (PLDP), the Pentacam Nucleus Staging (PNS) mean value and the PNS cataract grading score. RESULTS: A positive correlation between the mean values of lens density and LOCS III classification, considering groups 1 to 5, could be noticed with PLDP and PNS mean value. The mean values between the groups were similar using the PLDP and the PNS mean value. However, when the PNS cataract grading score was evaluated, there was low correspondence with LOCS III classification. CONCLUSION: Pentacam Scheimpflug device offers an objective measure of the lens nuclear density on nuclear cataracts. PLDP and the PNS mean value were both useful to evaluate age-related nuclear cataract up to LOCS III group 5.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a classificação clínica de catarata nuclear, utilizando o Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) III, e o valores médios de densidade nuclear fornecido pelo sistema Pentacam Sheimpflug. MÉTODOS: Cento e um pacientes (101 olhos) com diagnóstico de catarata nuclear senil foram submetidos a exame clínico para graduação da opalescência nuclear de acordo com o LOCS III e divididos em seis grupos de acordo com a mesma. Os pacientes foram posteriormente avaliados pelo sistema Pentacam Scheimpflug para obtenção do valor médio de densidade fornecido pelo programa de densitometria cristaliniana do aparelho (PLDP), valor médio de densidade calculado pelo Pentacam Nucleus Staging software (PNS) e o escore de graduação de catarata nuclear fornecido pelo PNS. RESULTADOS: Observou-se uma correlação positiva entre os valores médios de densidade cristaliniana fornecidos pelo PLDP e PNS e a classificação clínica LOCS III, considerando os grupos 1 ao 5. Os valores médios de densidade nuclear de cada grupo foram similares utilizando dados do PLDP e PNS. Entretanto, quando foi analisado o escore de graduação da catarata fornecido pelo PNS foi observada uma baixa correspondência com a classificação LOCS III. CONCLUSÃO: O Pentacam Scheimpflug oferece uma medida objetiva da densidade nuclear cristaliniana em cataratas nucleares. Os valores médios de densidade nuclear fornecidos pelo PLDP e PNS foram úteis na avaliação de catarata nuclear senil até o grupo 5 da classificação LOCS III.

Capsulotomy and hydroprocedures for nucleus prolapse in manual small incision cataract surgery.

Manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) involves the manual removal of nucleus through a scleral tunnel. To achieve 100% success every time, one has to do a good capsulotomy and should master the technique to prolapse the nucleus into anterior chamber. During conversion from extracapsular cataract surgery to MSICS, one can perform a can-opener capsulotomy and prolapse the nucleus. However, it is safer and better to perform a capsulorrhexis and hydroprolapse the nucleus, as it makes the rest of the steps of MSICS comfortable. Use of trypan blue in white and brown cataracts makes the capsulorrhexis and prolapse simple and safe. Extra caution should be taken in cases with hypermature cataracts with weak zonules and subluxated cataracts.

Description of surgical technique: the Bhatti modification for small-incision cataract surgery of the Akahoshi prechop technique.

Manual chopping of the nucleus forms the backbone of nucleus reduction in manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS). The technique ("prechopping") described by Akahoshi has been modified so that it is safe, predictable, and easy to use in MSICS.

Viscoexpression technique in manual small incision cataract surgery.

Viscoexpression method of nucleus delivery in manual small incision cataract surgery is described in this article. The practical modifications to the conventional technique in special situations are presented. Intraoperative and postoperative problems likely to be encountered and the steps to avoid them and tackle them effectively are discussed.

Nucleus management with irrigating vectis.

The main objective in modern cataract surgery is to achieve a better unaided visual acuity with rapid post-surgical recovery and minimal surgery-related complications. Early visual rehabilitation and better unaided vision can be achieved only by reducing the incision size. In manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS), incision is between 5.5 to 7 mm. Once the nucleus is prolapsed into the anterior chamber, it can be extracted through the tunnel. Nucleus extraction with an irrigating vectis is a very simple technique, which combines mechanical and hydrostatic forces to express out the nucleus. This technique is time-tested with good results and more than 95% of nuclei in MSICS are extracted in this way offering all the merits of phacoemulsification with the added benefits of having wider applicability, better safety, shorter learning curve and lower cost.

Nuclear management in manual small incision cataract surgery by snare technique.

Manual small incision cataract surgery has evolved into a popular method of cataract surgery in India. However, in supra hard cataract, bringing out the whole nucleus through the sclerocorneal flap valve incision becomes difficult. A bigger incision required in such cataracts loses its value action, as the internal incision and corneal valve slips beyond the limbus into sclera. Struggling with the supra hard cataracts through a regular small incision. Phacofracture in the anterior chamber becomes a useful option in these cases. In the snare technique, a stainless steel wire loop when lassoed around the nucleus in the anterior chamber constricts from the equator, easily dividing the hardest of the nuclei into two halves. The wire loop constricts in a controlled way when the second cannula of snare is pulled. The divided halves can easily be brought out by serrated crocodile forceps. This nuclear management can be safely performed through a smaller sclerocorneal flap valve incision where the corneal valve action is retained within the limbus without sutures, and the endothelium or the incision is not disturbed. However, the technique requires space in the anterior chamber to maneuver the wire loop and anterior chamber depth more than 2.5 mm is recommended. Much evidence to this wonderful technique is not available in literature, as its popularity grew through live surgical workshops and small interactive conferences.

Nucleus management with Blumenthal technique: anterior chamber maintainer.

The Blumenthal;s 'Mininuc' technique enables nuclear expression through a 5-6.5-mm sclerocorneal tunnel incision using a Sheet's lens glide and anterior chamber maintainer (ACM). A 6-mm or larger capsulorrhexis, reduction in nuclear size by hydroprocedure and its manipulation manually into the anterior chamber are performed. The nucleus is expressed out of the chamber by use of hydrostatic pressure created by balanced salt solution delivered continuously through the ACM. This continuous flow from ACM to anterior chamber keeps the eye under positive pressure physiological state besides clearing the chamber of cortex, blood and pigments offering excellent visualization. The procedure, with an initial learning curve, is highly effective, applicable to all grades of cataracts, has minimum intraocular instrumentation resulting in an early rehabilitation of the patient.

Nucleus management with Fishhook.

The fishhook technique developed at the Lahan eye hospital is widely used in Nepal and other countries. Its specialty is the extraction of the nucleus with a bent 30-G needle (Fishhook) out of the capsular bag and the self-sealing tunnel. All sizes of nuclei can be extracted. The fishhook technique has a short learning curve, a low complication rate and provides excellent immediate visual outcome. It is cost-effective and has proved to be useful also for high-volume cataract surgery and thus can play an important role in the reduction of cataract blindness.

Nucleus management in manual small incision cataract surgery by phacosection.

Nucleus management is critical in manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS), as the integrity of the tunnel, endothelium and posterior capsule needs to be respected. Several techniques of nucleus management are in vogue, depending upon the specific technique of MSICS. Nucleus can be removed in toto or bisected or trisected into smaller segments. The pressure in the eye can be maintained at the desired level with the use of an anterior chamber maintainer or kept at atmospheric levels. In MSICS, unlike phacoemulsification, there is no need to limit the size of the tunnel or restrain the size of capsulorrhexis. Large well-structured tunnels and larger capsulorrhexis provide better control on the surgical maneuvers. Safety and simplicity of MSICS has made it extremely popular. The purpose of this article is to describe nucleus management by phacosection in MSICS.

Phacoemulsification in hard cataracts: the chop, trip and free technique

Very hard cataracts continue to be a challenge to phacoemulsification due to the difficulty in breaking the nucleous and also in separating the broken nucleus from the adjacent epinucleus. The present technique is the presentation of a surgical maneuver which uses the Nagahara chopper and the phaco tip to divide the nucleus (including the epinucleus) as a whole and then emulsity it using little time and not very much phaco power.

Síndrome de distensión o bloqueo capsular / Distension syndrome or capsular blockage syndrome

En el síndrome de distensión o bloqueo capsular ocurre un bloqueo del saco capsular cristaliniano, lo que lleva a la acumulación de líquido endosacular y la ulterior distensión del mismo. Lo que favorece esta patogenía es una capsulorexis circular continua pequeña. El síndrome agudo se presenta peroperatoriamente, el bloqueo se produce por el núcleo cristaliano, se distiende el saco capsular durante la hidrodisección, la cámara anterior se estrecha, aumenta la presión intraocular, se rompe la cápsula posterior y el núcleo se luxa a la cámara vítrea; su tratamiento es la lensectomía mediante vitrectomía por pars plana: El síndrome temprano ocurre en las primeras semanas post operatorias, el bloqueo es por la óptica del lente intraocular, se distiende el saco, la cámara anterior se estrecha, la presión intraocular tiende a elevarse, hay miopización y su tratamiento es la capsulotomía anterior. El síndrome tardío se da años después de la cirugía, el bloqueo es por fibrosis cápsulo-lenticular, se acumula líquido lechoso y su tratamiento es capsulotomía posterior. La profilaxis contempla capsulorexis circular continua grande, hidrodisección cuidadosa, extraer la sustancia viscoelástica, limpiar células epiteliales, entre otras.

Una nueva técnica para la recuperación de cristalinos y restos nucleares luxados en cavidad vítrea / Levitation: a new technique to rescue nucleus of fragments from vitreous cavity

Propósito: proponer una nueva técnica denominada "levitación" para la extracción del cristalino, núcleo o restos nucleares luxados en cavidad vítrea. Pacientes y método: se realizó en 10 pacientes vitrectomía por pars plana seguida por la utilización de una cánula de drenaje interno. Resultados: en los 10 casos tratados se extrajo el cristalino, núcleo o restos nucleares en forma completa, sin complicaciones. Conclusiones: el procedimiento resulta ser una técnica efectiva, segura, de bajo costo, reproducible y menos compleja que otras técnicas que utilizan perfluorocarbonato líquido o faco por pars plana

Incidence and management of posteriorly dislocated nuclear fragments following phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: To report the incidence, management and complications of nucleus dislocation into the vitreous during phacoemulsification. METHODS: Retrospective review of 1250 consecutive phacoemulsification performed by consultants and residents in a teaching hospital. RESULTS: The incidence of nucleus drops was 0.8% (10 out of 1250). Loss of nuclear fragments occurred during phacoemulsification in 9 patients. In one, the dislocation was caused by hydro-dissection. All except one patient (who refused further intervention) underwent pars plana vitrectomy with removal of nuclear fragments. Eight of them had intraocular lens (IOL) inserted at the time of cataract surgery or at vitrectomy; one patient was scheduled for a secondary IOL. Postoperative best corrected visual acuity ranged from 6/24-6/6; 8 patients achieved a vision of 6/12 or better. Complications included cystoid macular oedema (5 patients), retinal break (1 patient) and retinal detachment (1 patient). CONCLUSION: Appropriate management of posteriorly dislocated nucleus can restore good visual acuity. The use of phacoemulsification mandates availability of referral facilities for management of complications.

Colour of the nucleus as a marker of nuclear hardness, diameter and central thickness.

Hundred and thirty patients, aged above 40 years, with senile cataract were examined. Age and colour were selected as the probable preoperative indicators of nuclear hardness. The lens material collected after manual extracapsular extraction was washed and the nucleus isolated. The diameter and central thickness of the nucleus were measured; the mean diameter and mean central thickness were 7.13 mm +/- 0.76 and 3.05 mm +/- 0.48, respectively. The hardness of the nucleus was measured with a lens guillotine designed by us. Regression analysis was applied to the parameters measured and these were compared with the colour and age. The parameters measured had the following relationship: Colour vs hardness (r value = 0.7569) (p < 0.001) Colour vs diameter (r value = 0.3962) (p < 0.001) Colour vs central thickness (r value = 0.4785) (p < 0.001) Age vs hardness (r value = -0.0499) (p > 0.05) Age vs diameter (r value = 0.0987) (p > 0.05) Age vs central thickness (r value = 0.1700) (p > 0.05) The values showed that colour had a statistically significant relationship with all the 3 parameters (p < 0.001), while age had no significant relationship with the same parameters. The results indicated that colour can be used more reliably to predict physical characteristics of the cataractous lens nucleus, the preoperative knowledge of which would help the surgeon in planning small-incision surgery including phacoemulsification.