Aspiration of anterior lens epithelium cells to prevent capsule contraction syndrome in pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Exploring anterion capsular contraction syndrome in cataract surgery: insights into pathogenesis, clinical course, influencing factors, and intervention approaches

Anterior capsular contraction syndrome (ACCS) is a challenging complication that can occur following phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Characterized by capsular bag wrinkling, intraocular lens (IOL) decentration and tilt, ACCS can have negative effects on visual outcomes and patient satisfaction. This review aims to investigate the pathogenesis, clinical course, influencing factors, and intervention approaches for ACCS after cataract surgery. By understanding the underlying mechanisms and identifying factors that contribute to ACCS, surgeons can enhance their ability to predict and manage this complication. Various intervention strategies are discussed, highlighting their importance in reducing complications and improving surgical outcomes. However, further research is needed to determine optimal prevention and management strategies through long-term follow-up and comparative analyses. Advancements in this field will ultimately lead to improved visual outcomes and optimized cataract surgery for patients.

Lens Epithelial Cell Removal in Routine Phacoemulsification: Is It Worth the Bother?

PURPOSE

To review the literature on crystalline lens epithelial cell (LEC) removal in routine phacoemulsification and determine whether it should be incorporated as part of a surgeon's standard technique.

DESIGN

Perspective.

METHODS

Expert commentary with video demonstrations on techniques of removal of LECs and associated potential complications. Discussion incorporates the importance of LEC removal, a review of techniques to prevent posterior capsular opacification (PCO), and the effects of intraocular lens design on LEC proliferation and PCO.

RESULTS

The evidence suggests that LEC removal should be routinely performed as it can be carried out safely and with considerable short- and long-term benefits for patients. With effective cleanup, there is reduced anterior capsule opacification, fibrosis, and decentration of the capsular bag as well as reduced rates of posterior capsular opacification. Techniques for removal are easy to learn, with very low complication rates, and can reduce the risk of the long-term need for technically complex procedures such as intraocular lens explantation.

CONCLUSIONS

LEC removal from both the anterior and posterior capsule is part of a continuous, incremental improvement of cataract surgery and should be introduced to ophthalmology trainees during their formative years as part of their regular cataract surgery armamentarium.

[Differentiated method of surgical prophylaxis against anterior capsular contraction syndrome during phacoemulsification]

Prevention of the anterior capsular contraction syndrome (ACCS) in the late postoperative period in patients with lens subluxation is a current problem of phacoemulsification (PE).

PURPOSE

To develop and clinically evaluate a differentiated method of surgical prophylaxis against ACCS during PE in patients with lens subluxation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Phacoemulsification surgery with in-the-bag IOL implantation and postoperative follow-up were carried out in 192 patients (192 eyes) with cataract and lens subluxation. In all patients, complete anterior capsulorhexis at the beginning of the surgery was not possible. A differentiated approach was used for capsulorhexis extension at the final stage of the operation after in-the-bag IOL implantation. Three groups of patients were formed according to the three most common clinical situations.

RESULTS

There were no signs of ACCS development in as many as 189 (98.4%) cases. In 3 (1.6%) cases, slight narrowing of the anterior capsulorhexis opening was noted, however, with no effect to the IOL position and functional results of the operation.

CONCLUSION

The differentiated approach to anterior capsulorhexis in patients with lens subluxation allowed to perform phacoemulsification with in-the-bag IOL implantation and to avoid ACCS development in the late postoperative period.