Managing anterior capsule contraction by mechanical widening with vitrector-cut capsulotomy

J Cataract Refract Surg. 2002 Feb;28(2):217-20. doi: 10.1016/s0886-3350(01)01031-8.

Abstract

We present a technique, vitrectorhexis, in which a vitrector-cut capsulotomy is used to treat anterior capsule contraction syndrome. A vitrector handpiece is used to remove all fibrous capsule tissue and residual lens epithelial cells from the anterior chamber. Vitrectorhexis may be an alternative to neodymium:YAG laser capsulotomy as it decreases the risk of radial tear extension to the zonules and of secondary IOL decentration. The technique was used in a 77-year-old man with capsulorhexis contraction syndrome and extensive fibrosis after phacoemulsification with silicone piggyback intraocular lens implantation. One day postoperatively, visual acuity improved from 20/60 to 20/30 and the anterior chamber reaction was minimal. At 1 month, best corrected visual acuity was 20/20. The IOL was well centered at 6 months.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anterior Chamber
  • Capsulorhexis / adverse effects*
  • Contracture / etiology
  • Contracture / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Lens Capsule, Crystalline / pathology
  • Lens Capsule, Crystalline / surgery*
  • Lens Implantation, Intraocular
  • Male
  • Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures*
  • Phacoemulsification
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery*
  • Syndrome
  • Visual Acuity