Real-time dynamic changes in intraocular pressure after occlusion break: comparing 2 phacoemulsification systems.

PURPOSE: To compare real-time intraocular pressure (IOP) response to occlusion break event in 2 phacoemulsification systems. SETTING: Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Center, India. DESIGN: Randomized, experimental study. METHODS: Rabbits were randomized to:Group I (n = 10 eyes), Centurion Vision system with active fluidics, or, Group II (n = 10 eyes), Centurion with Active Sentry. Within each group, parameter set 1 (IOP 30 mm Hg, aspiration flow rate [AFR] 20 mL/min, and vacuum 600 mm Hg) and parameter set 2 (IOP 50 mm Hg, AFR 25 mL/min, and vacuum 600 mm Hg) were tested. Real-time rate of drop and rise of IOP after occlusion break event (mm Hg per second) and percentage reduction of IOP from maximum during nuclear fragment removal were compared. RESULTS: 10 rabbits (20 eyes) were included. Rate of drop of IOP after occlusion break was not significantly different between groups. Rate of rise of IOP was statistically significantly higher in Group II with both parameter sets (199.09 ± 69.28 vs 94.33 ± 45.66 in parameter set 1, P = .006; and 256 ± 45.05 vs 165.25 ± 51.80 in parameter set 2, P = .005), suggesting faster recovery to baseline IOP after occlusion break. The mean percentage reduction of IOP from maximum was significantly higher in Group I (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Rise of IOP to baseline after occlusion break event was faster and mean percentage reduction of IOP from maximum during nuclear fragment removal was lower when using the Centurion Vision system with the Active Sentry upgrade compared with the traditional handpiece. The ability to sense IOP at the level of the handpiece with the Active Sentry upgrade allows faster mitigation of surge response.

Cortical aspiration - The "POPS" technique.

In the present study, we describe a step-by-step technique for cortex aspiration during cataract surgery- POPS (positioning, occlusion, posterior displacement, and swiping). Firstly, the aspiration probe is positioned under the bulk of cortical fibers beyond the capsulorhexis margin. Subsequently, the aspiration port is occluded with minimal vacuum, and the occluded port is displaced posteriorly to detach the cortical fibers off the anterior capsule. Now, tangential, arc-like swiping movements are performed while gradually increasing vacuum at the same time. The fibers are brought to the center and finally aspirated. This allows complete removal of the equatorial fibers and lens epithelial cells (LEC) with the least stress to the capsulozonular complex. Unlike the conventional technique, which involves the radial pull of cortical fibers, in this technique, there is swiping and posterior displacement of the cortical fibers before pulling towards the center and aspirating. We believe this technique will ensure safer, more effective cortical and LEC removal, reducing zonular stress.

Visual outcomes after toric intraocular lens implantation in pediatric eyes undergoing cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term visual outcomes and complications after toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in children with preexisting corneal astigmatism undergoing cataract surgery. SETTING: Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Center, Ahmedabad, India. DESIGN: Prospective, interventional case series. METHODS: Children with regular corneal astigmatism of at least 1.5 diopters (D) were included. A standardized surgical technique with in-the-bag implantation of a toric IOL was performed. All children were followed up on postoperative day 1 and periodically thereafter, until 36 months postoperatively. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and residual refractive astigmatism were documented 36 months postoperatively. Rotational stability of toric IOL was also evaluated through the follow-up duration. Complications, particularly visual axis obscuration (VAO) and glaucoma, were documented. RESULTS: In total, 76 eyes (51 children) were included in the study. Mean age at surgery was 7.41 ± 2.82 years (SD) and mean preoperative keratometric astigmatism was 1.56 ± 2.13 D. The CDVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) improved significantly from 0.59 ± 0.43 preoperatively to 0.23 ± 0.27 36 months postoperatively (P = .03). Mean postoperative UDVA was 0.32 ± 0.26 logMAR. Mean refractive astigmatism at final follow-up was -0.55 ± 0.40 D, with 74% patients having a UDVA of at least 20/40; 5% of eyes needed VAO treatment and none developed glaucoma. No eye required repositioning of toric IOL until final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Toric IOL implantation reduced postoperative refractive astigmatism and gave excellent UDVA at 36 months follow-up in pediatric eyes undergoing nontraumatic cataract surgery.

Comparative evaluation of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and conventional phacoemulsification in eyes with a shallow anterior chamber.

PURPOSE: To compare intraoperative performance and postoperative outcomes between femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and conventional phacoemulsification in eyes with a shallow anterior chamber (AC). SETTING: Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre, India. DESIGN: Prospective randomized masked clinical study. METHODS: Patients undergoing cataract surgery with a shallow AC (<2.5 mm) were randomized to have FLACS (Group 1, n = 91) or conventional phacoemulsification (Group 2, n = 91). Patients were followed up at 1 day, 1 week, and at 1, 3, and 6 months. The primary outcome measure was central corneal thickness (CCT). The secondary outcome measures were corneal clarity, AC cells and flare, endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variance, hexagonality, and uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) at 1 week. RESULTS: The study comprised 182 eyes (91 in each group) The cumulative dissipative energy was lower in the FLACS group (P < .05). The mean CCT was significantly lower with FLACS (540.40 µm + 49.40 [SD] vs 556 + 12.5 µm, P = .03) at 1 day and 1 week (535.5 + 44.3 µm vs 551 + 40.8 µm, P = .04), with fewer eyes having higher than grade 2 AC cells and flare with FLACS (85% vs 72%, P = .056) at 1 day and 1 week (15% vs 28%, P = .03). At 1 week, the UDVA was better with FLACS (0.089 ± 0.31 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] vs 0.178 ± 0.65 logMAR, P = .042). At 6 months, the reduction in ECD was lower in the FLACS group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In eyes with shallow ACs, compared with conventional phacoemulsification, FLACS maintained clearer corneas, showed less increase in CCT, lower AC inflammation, and better UDVA in the early postoperative period.

Five-Year Postoperative Outcomes of Bilateral Aphakia and Pseudophakia in Children up to 2 Years of Age: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Comparative evaluation of complications and visual outcomes following bilateral congenital cataract surgery in children up to 2 years of age with and without primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation at 5 years follow-up. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. METHODS: Sixty children (120 eyes) up to 2 years of age undergoing bilateral congenital cataract surgery were randomized to Group 1, primary aphakia (n = 30), or Group 2, primary IOL implantation (pseudophakia) (n = 30). A single surgeon performed surgeries with identical surgical technique. All patients were followed up regularly until 5 years postoperatively. At each follow-up, glaucoma, visual axis obscuration (VAO) requiring surgery, and inflammation (cell deposits, posterior synechiae) were assessed. Visual acuity was assessed until 5 years follow-up. The first operated eye was selected for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Median age of the patients at time of surgery was 5.11 months (aphakia group) and 6.01 months (pseudophakia group) (P = .56). Five years postoperatively, incidence of glaucoma was 16% and 13.8% in Groups 1 and 2 (P = .82). Incidence of posterior synechiae was significantly higher in the pseudophakia group (27.6%) compared to the aphakia group (8%) (P = .004). VAO requiring surgery was seen in 8% and 10.3% of eyes in Groups 1 and 2 (P = .76). Mean logMAR visual acuity at 5 years follow-up was 0.59 ± 0.33 and 0.5 ± 0.23 in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .79). However, more eyes in the pseudophakic group started giving documentable vision earlier in their postoperative follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of postoperative complications was comparable between the groups, except for a higher incidence of posterior synechiae in pseudophakic eyes. Visual rehabilitation was faster in the pseudophakic group.

Postoperative outcomes of intraocular lens implantation in the bag versus posterior optic capture in pediatric cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare complications in children up to 4 years old having cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation using 2 techniques: in-the-bag IOL with anterior vitrectomy or optic capture of IOL with no anterior vitrectomy. SETTING: Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, India. DESIGN: Prospective randomized control clinical trial. METHODS: The study included children having cataract surgery with IOL implantation. Patients were randomized to Group 1 (in-the-bag 3-piece hydrophobic acrylic IOL [Acrysof MA60AC] with anterior vitrectomy) or Group 2 (optic capture of the same IOL without anterior vitrectomy). Intraoperative complications were documented. Postoperative visual axis obscuration (VAO), glaucoma, cell deposits on the IOL, and posterior synechiae were compared at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: The study comprised 61 children (61 eyes). The mean ages were 14.8 months ±11.47 (SD) in Group 1 (n = 30) and 18.2 ± 11.47 months in Group 2 (n = 31). Overall, only 1 eye in Group 1 developed a VAO requiring membranectomy 4 months postoperatively, and 2 eyes in Group 1 developed glaucoma over 12 months (P = .49). Intraocular lens cell deposits and posterior synechiae were comparable between groups. The IOL could not be captured in 5 eyes (16.1%); no complications occurred in these eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Optic capture of 3-piece hydrophobic acrylic IOLs could be achieved in most eyes. The VAO, glaucoma, and inflammation were comparable 12 months postoperatively. Thus, optic capture of an IOL is an alternative surgical technique that can be used to avoid vitrectomy, even in children younger than 4 years.

Morphology of functioning trabeculectomy blebs using anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To image trabeculectomy blebs using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), and to correlate the bleb morphologic features at one month postoperatively with bleb function at six months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, observational study included 56 eyes undergoing trabeculectomy with MMC, followed up for minimum of six months. Postoperatively, bleb imaging was done using AS-OCT at one and six month. Bleb morphology was assessed for bleb wall reflectivity, bleb pattern in multiform reflectivity, visibility of drainage route and presence of hyper-reflectivity area. Bleb function was considered successful if IOP was <18 mmHg without medication at six month. Bleb morphology one month postoperatively was correlated with bleb function at six months. RESULTS: At six months successful bleb function was noted in 44 (81.5%) eyes. Morphology of bleb at one month showed uniform bleb wall reflectivity in 6 eyes (11%) and multiform wall reflectivity in 48 eyes (89%). In eyes with multiform wall reflectivity, microcysts with multiple layers was seen in 26 eyes (48%), microcysts with subconjunctival separation in 12 eyes (22%) and only microcyst in 10 eyes (19%). When bleb features at one month were correlated with the bleb function at six months, logistic regression analysis revealed that blebs with multiform reflectivity with multiple internal layers with microcysts were associated with higher chances of success (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: AS-OCT demonstrated early bleb morphological features that may be used to predict the functioning of a bleb. Multiform bleb wall reflectivity with a pattern of multiple internal layers and microcysts was associated with increased chances of success of a bleb.

Histomorphological and immunofluorescence evaluation of clear corneal incisions after microcoaxial phacoemulsification with 2.2 mm and 1.8 mm systems.

PURPOSE: To compare changes in the incision's histomorphology and denaturation of collagen I in rabbit eyes having microcoaxial phacoemulsification through 2.2 mm and 1.8 mm incision-compatible systems. DESIGN: Randomized experimental trial. SETTING: Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, India. METHODS: Thirty rabbit eyes were randomized into Group 1 (microcoaxial phacoemulsification through 2.2 mm incisions using Infiniti system [torsional ultrasound]) and Group 2 (microcoaxial phacoemulsification through 1.8 mm incisions using Stellaris system [longitudinal ultrasound]). Each group was then divided into 3 subgroups of 5 eyes each based on 1 of the 3 intervention options: phacoemulsification only, intraocular lens (IOL) insertion only, and phacoemulsification with IOL insertion. Left eyes were randomized for microcoaxial phacoemulsification, and right eyes were treated as controls. RESULTS: After phacoemulsification, eyes in Group 1 showed loss of epithelium at the roof of the incisions and Descemet membrane detachment at the floor of the incisions. These findings did not change after IOL insertion. After phacoemulsification, eyes in Group 2 showed loss of epithelium, but Descemet membrane remained attached. There was a longitudinal split in the incision's stroma in the direction of internal entry. The stromal damage increased after IOL implantation. Immunofluorescence studies showed no obvious irregularities in the arrangement of collagen I in either group. A dot blot analysis showed significant denaturation of collagen I in Group 2. CONCLUSION: The histomorphology of the 2.2 mm system incision showed localized Descemet membrane detachment and endothelial cell loss. The 1.8 mm system incision showed exaggerated stromal damage after IOL insertion.

Incision integrity and postoperative outcomes after microcoaxial phacoemulsification performed using 2 incision-dependent systems.

PURPOSE: To compare incision integrity and clinical outcomes of 2 microcoaxial phacoemulsification systems. SETTING: Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, India. DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial. METHODS: Eyes were randomized to have phacoemulsification using a 1.8 mm clear corneal incision (CCI) system (Group 1, Stellaris system) or a 2.2 mm CCI system (Group 2, Intrepid Infiniti system). Incision enlargement at end of surgery was measured. At the conclusion of surgery, trypan blue was applied over the conjunctival surface, anterior chamber aspirate withdrawn, and ingress into anterior chamber measured. Postoperative observations included evaluation of the CCI using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), change in central corneal thickness (CCT), and anterior segment inflammation at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month and endothelial cell loss and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) at 3 months. RESULTS: Incision enlargement (P<.001) and trypan blue ingress in the anterior chamber (mean 1.7 log units ± 0.6 [SD] versus 3.8 ± 0.6 log units, P<.001) was significantly greater in Group 1 (n = 50) than in Group 2 (n = 50). On AS-OCT, endothelial misalignment and gaping were more frequent in Group 1 at 1 day (P=.001) and 1 week (P=.018). There were no significant differences in SIA, change in CCT, endothelial cell loss, or anterior segment inflammation (P>.05). CONCLUSION: At the end of surgery, it is not the initial incision size alone but also the distortion of the incision during subsequent stages of surgery that determine the integrity of the CCI.

Subtle signs of an intact anterior vitreous face during pediatric cataract surgery.

We describe the subtle signs of the anterior vitreous face as a bulging structure, a homogenous staining pattern of 3 buttonholes, and a lamellar or fibrillar pattern intact. This should help surgeons correctly recognize the intact anterior vitreous face.

Real-time intraoperative high-speed imaging during phacoemulsification.

We describe the use of high-speed imaging during phacoemulsification in a clinical scenario. Images captured during surgery at high frame rates are converted into a slow-motion film to view and analyze various surgical steps. This technique highlights events that are not captured in a normal-speed video recording. It has obvious applications for understanding surgical techniques and technology.

Anti-inflammatory effect of low-molecular-weight heparin in pediatric cataract surgery: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To determine if intraocular infusion of low-molecular-weight heparin (enoxaparin) reduces postoperative inflammation in pediatric eyes undergoing cataract surgery with IOL implantation. DESIGN: Prospective masked randomized controlled trial. METHODS: setting: Private, institutional practice. study population: Twenty children (40 eyes) undergoing bilateral cataract surgery with IOL implantation were randomized to receive enoxaparin in the intraocular infusion fluid (BSS) (Group I) or not to receive enoxaparin (Group II). The first eye was randomly assigned to 1 of the 2 groups and the second eye received alternate treatment. observation procedure: Patients were followed up in the first week and 1 and 3 months after surgery. main outcome measures: Anterior chamber flare and cells (Hogan's criteria), cell deposits on IOL, posterior synechiae. RESULTS: One week postoperatively, no eyes had >grade 2 flare/cells. Proportion of eyes with grade 2 cells was higher in eyes that did not receive enoxaparin (Group II: 80% vs Group I: 40%, P = .009). In the first week >10 small cell deposits were noted in the eyes that received enoxaparin (Group I: 20%, Group II: none, P = .005). Large cell deposits first appeared at 1 month in 40% of eyes in Group I and 55% of eyes in Group II (P = .34) and increased at 3 months (60% in both groups, P > .999). Posterior synechiae were seen in 10% of eyes in Group I at 1 month, which persisted at 3 months; no eyes in Group II showed posterior synechiae (P = .14). CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that there does not seem to be a benefit of using enoxaparin in the infusion fluid with respect to early postoperative inflammation.

Corneal endothelial morphologic assessment in pediatric cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation: a comparison of preoperative and early postoperative specular microscopy.

PURPOSE: To observe longitudinal changes in the corneal endothelium after pediatric cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation. DESIGN: Prospective, longitudinal study. METHODS: settings: Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, India. study population: This study included 100 pediatric eyes undergoing cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation. Posterior capsule management was based on the status of the posterior capsule. Two-port anterior limbal vitrectomy was carried out after posterior capsule plaque peeling. observation procedures: Corneal endothelial morphologic features: endothelial cell density (cell/mm(2)), coefficient of variation, percentage of hexagonality, and central corneal thickness were assessed. main outcome measures: To evaluate whether there is a difference in endothelial cell morphologic features before surgery and 3 months after surgery and also whether pediatric cataract surgery with and without anterior vitrectomy has any impact on the endothelial cell morphologic features. RESULTS: A comparison of preoperative and postoperative specular microscopy is given here: endothelial cell density, 3225.1 ± 346.8 cells/mm(2) versus 3057.7 ± 330.1 cells/mm(2) (P < .001); coefficient of variation, 27.5 ± 10.6 versus 37.7 ± 16.3 (P < .001); percentage of hexagonality, 58.1 ± 15.3 versus 48.6 ± 13.4 (P < .001); and central corneal thickness, 529 ± 30 µm versus 527 ± 34 µm (P = .64). There was 5.1% decrease in mean endothelial cell loss at 3 months after surgery. No statistically significant difference was noted in the percentage decrease in mean endothelial cell density between eyes undergoing cataract surgery with intact posterior capsules, eyes undergoing manual posterior capsulorrhexis without anterior limbal vitrectomy, and eyes undergoing anterior limbal vitrectomy (P = .543). CONCLUSIONS: Endothelial cell loss with currently practiced techniques of pediatric cataract surgery is within acceptable limits by adhering to the principles of close chamber technique.

Comparison of the effect of torsional and microburst longitudinal ultrasound on clear corneal incisions during phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: To compare incision integrity after clear corneal microcoaxial phacoemulsification using longitudinal and torsional ultrasound (US). SETTING: Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, India. DESIGN: Prospective randomized experimental clinical trial. METHODS: Part 1 comprised an experimental study of rabbit eyes. Group 1 received longitudinal US. Group 2 received torsional US. The right eye of each rabbit served as a control. Samples were processed for histomorphology and collagen I denaturation by immunofluorescence. Part 2 comprised a clinical trial of patients. Group 1 received torsional US. Group 2 received longitudinal US. At the end of surgery, trypan blue 0.0125% was instilled. After 2 minutes, 0.1 mL of aqueous was aspirated and its optical density measured. RESULTS: In part 1, incision histomorphology was comparable in both modalities. Collagen denaturation tests (immunofluorescence, dot blot analysis) showed no irregularity in collagen arrangement in either group. In Group 2, Descemet membrane was detached and endothelial cells were minimal at the roof of the incision. In part 2, trypan blue ingress into the anterior chamber was significantly greater in Group 1 than in Group 2 (mean 3.40 + 0.6 log units versus and 3.77 + 0.82 log units) (P<.007). CONCLUSIONS: Incision histomorphology in the torsional group showed minimal Descemet membrane detachment and minimal endothelial cell loss at the roof of the incision. Minimal ingress of trypan blue into the anterior chamber was observed with torsional US, indicating better wound integrity than with longitudinal US. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Cionni ring and in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation for subluxated lenses: a prospective case series.

PURPOSE: To report the intraoperative performance and postoperative outcomes of the Cionni-modified capsule tension ring (CTR) implantation in eyes with subluxated lenses. DESIGN: Prospective, observational case series. METHODS: This study was carried out at Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, India. The study population comprised 41 eyes with subluxated lenses that underwent lens extraction, capsular bag fixation with modified CTR, and in-the-bag single-piece AcrySof intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Main outcome measures were intraoperative performance and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOL centration, and complications. RESULTS: The mean age was 29.46 ± 16.16 years (3-68 years). Mean extent of subluxation was 6.1 ± 1.0 clock hours. Preoperatively, vitreous was detected in the anterior chambers of 5 eyes (12.2%). Two-port anterior chamber vitrectomy was performed in 2 eyes. Mean follow-up was 45.8 ± 2.9 months. Mean preoperative BCVA was 0.66 ± 0.22 logMAR (35 eyes). Mean postoperative BCVA at final follow-up was 0.33 ± 0.21 logMAR (41 eyes) (P < .001). BCVA improved in 35 eyes (85.4%) at the last follow-up. In 3 eyes (7.3%) IOL decentration was noted and repositioning was required in 2 eyes. Posterior capsule opacification developed in 14 eyes (34.2%); 12 eyes (29.3%) required Nd:YAG capsulotomy. Other complications included cystoid macular edema in 1 eye (2.4%), posterior synechiae in 1 eye (2.4%), and retinal detachment in 1 eye (2.4%). CONCLUSION: In-the-bag implantation of a Cionni-modified CTR with IOL appears to be a safe option in eyes with subluxated cataract, ensuring a stable IOL with few complications.

Approaches to a posterior polar cataract.

Posterior polar cataracts present special challenges to the cataract surgeon. These are often associated with weakness/dehiscence of the posterior capsule and thus have a higher rate of intraoperative posterior capsule rupture. The surgeon needs to adhere to special surgical strategies to minimize the risk of a posterior capsule rupture. These include, adhering to the principles of closed chamber technique, avoiding hydrodissection - instead performing 'inside-out' hydrodelineation and using modest to low phaco parameters and reducing these stepwise. This article provides important pearls on how to approach a posterior polar cataract.

Rotational stability of a toric intraocular lens: influence of axial length and alignment in the capsular bag.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the rotational stability of a toric intraocular lens (IOL) using purpose-designed software and to determine the influence of axial length (AL) and in-the-bag IOL alignment on IOL rotation. SETTING: Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, India. DESIGN: Prospective observational case series. METHODS: This study enrolled eyes that had AcrySof toric IOL implantation. The AL was measured using optical coherence biometry or immersion A-scan biometry. Corneal astigmatism was determined by manual keratometry and topography. The IOL alignment was vertical, horizontal, or oblique. Rotational stability was measured using the purpose-designed software, and the mean absolute difference was determined. The effect of AL and IOL alignment on rotational stability was determined 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The study evaluated 168 eyes (168 patients). The mean AL was 23.86 mm ± 1.63 (SD), (range 19.50 to 29.03 mm). The median IOL rotation was 0.3 degree from baseline to 1 week, 1.0 degree from 1 week to 1 month, 0.2 degree from 1 to 3 months, and 0.1 degree from 3 to 6 months. The maximum rotation occurred between 1 week and 1 month. There was a strong correlation between AL and IOL rotation at 6 months (r = 0.93, P<.001). The mean absolute difference at 6 months was not significantly different between the 3 axis placement categories when correlated with the rotation (P=.102, analysis of variance). CONCLUSIONS: Toric IOL rotation was greater in eyes with a longer AL. Alignment of the IOL in the capsular bag had no influence on rotation.

Pars plicata posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis.

We describe a technique of pars plicata manual posterior capsulorhexis performed after implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) in pediatric cataract surgery. The technique can be used to create a posterior capsulectomy of a desirable size in a controlled manner to avoid destabilization of the IOL. It can be applied selectively in cases of pediatric cataract surgery.

Visual axis opacification after cataract surgery and hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens implantation in the first year of life.

PURPOSE: To report the incidence of visual axis opacification (VAO) requiring surgery after cataract extraction with hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation during the first year of life. SETTING: Storm Eye Institute, Charleston, South Carolina, USA; Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Center, Ahmedabad, India. DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: Medical records of patients younger than 1 year who had primary posterior capsulectomy, vitrectomy, and in-the-bag hydrophobic acrylic IOL implantation were reviewed. In bilateral cases, 1 eye was randomly chosen. The need for surgery for visually significant VAO was evaluated 12 months after cataract surgery. RESULTS: Seventy-two eyes were included. The mean age at cataract surgery was 6.0 months. Seventeen eyes (23.6%) required surgery for VAO a mean of 6.2 ± 2.9 months postoperatively. The odds for VAO surgery were 3.5 times greater in eyes of female children than in eyes of male children. For AcrySof MA60AC, SA60AT, SN60AT, or SN60WF IOLs, surgery for VAO was required in 25%, 23%, 23%, and 23% of eyes, respectively. The earliest time between cataract and secondary VAO surgery was relatively later (9.0 months) with the SN60WF IOL than with the MA60AC, SA60AT, or SN60AT IOL (4.4, 2.2, and 2.0 months, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 25% of operated eyes of infants required a secondary surgical procedure for VAO; the rate was higher in eyes of female infants but did not differ between IOL models. The data indicate that surgery for VAO is required later in eyes with an SN60WF IOL than in eyes in which other AcrySof IOLs were used. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Posterior capsule management in congenital cataract surgery.

UNLABELLED: Management of the posterior capsule significantly affects the outcome of pediatric cataract surgery. Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is rapid and virtually inevitable in very young children when adult-style cataract surgery is performed and the posterior capsule is left intact. In eyes with pediatric cataract, primary posterior capsulotomy and vitrectomy are considered routine surgical steps, especially in younger children. The site of intraocular lens (IOL) fixation and the surgical technique used also affect the prevalence of PCO. The present systematic review evaluates the options available to prevent PCO or ensure a clear central visual axis after pediatric cataract surgery. Newer approaches to posterior capsule management such as pars plicata posterior capsulorhexis, sutureless vitrectomy, sealed-capsule irrigation, and bag-in-the-lens IOL are discussed. Management of the posterior capsule in the presence of a preexisting posterior capsule defect and posterior capsule plaque and options to treat PCO are also reviewed. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.