Cryoextraction of Cataract

ABSTRACT

In 1910 Scholler introduced the use of low temperatures in the field of ophthalmology. The report of cryoextraction of cataract by Krwawicz in 1961 acted as a catalyst; ophthalmologist all over the world saw the value of the cryosurgery in reducing the number of unintentional capsular ruptures. There are several types of cryogenic instruments. The most commonly used cryogens in ocular surgery are solid carbon dioxide, halogenated hydrocarbons (Freons) and liquid nitrogen. The major advantage of cryoextraction over the forceps and erisophake technics is the reduction of unintentional breakage of the lens capsule with the resulting decrease in the formation of secondary membranous cataracts and in the onset of postoperative inflammations. The applications of cryoextraction on the intumescent cataract, lens witb torn capsule, luxated lens and planned extracapsular method are briefly described.