Nuclear scaffold: Three-dimensional indigenous capsular bag support combined with IOL scaffold and capsular tension ring to prevent posterior capsule rupture in zonulopathy

[Optimization of phacoemulsification technique for Morgagnian cataract]

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to develop a new optimized phacoemulsification technique for Morgagnian cataract taking into account the anatomical and topographic parameters of the lens nucleus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A working classification of Morgagnian cataract was developed based on the size of the nucleus: if the edge of the nucleus is visualized at the upper edge of the pupil or between the upper edge and the middle of the pupil, it was classified as an initial stage of Morgagnian cataract with a large nucleus; if the upper edge of the nucleus is visualized in the middle of the pupil and below, it was classified as an advanced stage of Morgagnian cataract with a small nucleus. The first group included six patients who underwent surgery using the scaffold technique with removal of the whole small nucleus into the anterior chamber. The second group included 11 patients who underwent surgery using the scaffold technique with removal of the last fragment of the nucleus into the anterior chamber.

RESULTS

The use of the scaffold technique with removal of the nucleus into the anterior chamber helped reduce the number of intraoperative complications to 16.7% in the first group, compared to 27.3% in the second group, and the percentage of endothelial cell loss to 10.1% in the first group, compared to 10.7% in the second group.

CONCLUSIONS

The anatomical and topographic features of the lens and the anterior segment of the eye in Morgagnian cataract with a small nucleus allow for preliminary implantation of an intraocular lens into the capsular bag to protect the posterior capsule during phacoemulsification of the nucleus with minimal mechanical, hydrodynamic and acoustic damage to the surrounding structures of the eye.

Effect of capsular tension ring implantation during phacoemulsification on postoperative refraction

PURPOSE

To assess refractive outcomes of phacoemulsification (PE) with additional capsular tension ring (CTR) implantation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In total, 37 eyes of 37 patient who underwent PE with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were divided into 2 groups: study group (n = 18) with CTR co-implantation (inclusion criteria was preoperative irido-phacodonesis) and control group (n = 19) without CTR. Optical biometry (IOL-Master 500) was performed for each patient before PE. Barrett Universal II Formula was used for IOL calculation. IOL power calculation error was assessed by comparing target refraction and final refraction measured by Topcon-8800 autorefractometer 1 month after surgery.

RESULTS

Despite almost identical preoperative values in both groups refractive result was different. Patients with CTR co-implantation had more hyperopic IOL power calculation error of 0.41 ± 0.52 D versus 0.04 ± 0.59 D in the control group (p = 0.043). Postoperative spherical equivalent in study group was more hyperopic (-0.40 ± 1.47 D) than in control group (-0.77 ± 1.24), nevertheless, this difference was insignificant (p = 0.166).

CONCLUSION

CTR co-implantation in patients with weak zonules and preoperative irido-phacodonesis leads to more hyperopic IOL power calculation error compared with control group.

Management of the subluxated crystalline lens: A review

Cataract surgery for the subluxated crystalline lens is challenging. A thorough preoperative evaluation is important to determine the appropriate surgical approach for lens removal and the subsequent technique of intraocular lens placement. Important considerations include the extent and location of zonular weakness, and whether the zonular deficiency is caused by a static or progressive disease. The capsular bag should be preserved where possible. Creating a good-sized and centred continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis is crucial to facilitate the use of capsular retractors and capsular tension devices, which provide capsular stability. Nucleus sculpting and rotation should be minimised to reduce zonular stress. Being cognisant of the possible intraoperative complications that may occur at each stage of the surgery and knowing how to reduce the risk of these complications occurring will enable surgeons to perform safe cataract surgery in these complex cases.

[Optimization of phacoemulsification in complicated cataract with lens subluxation]

Purpose - to optimize the process of phacoemulsification in patients with cataract complicated by degree I-II lens subluxation by using the scaffold technique, and to determine the indications for its application.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 - the main group - included 29 patients (29 eyes; 47.54%) who underwent cataract phacoemulsification with implantation of iris retractors and capsular ring using the scaffold technique. Group 2 - the comparison group - included 32 patients (32 eyes; 54.46%) who underwent cataract phacoemulsification with implantation of iris retractors and capsular ring using standard technique.

RESULTS

Patients' visual acuity improved up to 0.53 (0.35; 0.80) in group 1, and up to 0.50 (0.45; 0.80) in group 2 by the time of hospital discharge. At 6 months and 1 year follow-ups, visual functions were equal, in group 1 - 0.70 (0.65; 0.80), in group 2 - 0.70 (0.60; 0.90). The number of intraoperative complications decreased from 8.20% in standard phacoemulsification to 1.64% in scaffold technique. The latter reduces endothelial cell loss by 1.95% in comparison with traditional phacoemulsification over 1 year follow-up. With the scaffold technique, the number of intraoperative complications decreased from 15.63% in group 2 to 3.45% in group 1, the number of postoperative complications - from 43.75% to 31.04%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The scaffold technique is indicated in pseudoexfoliation syndrome with weakness of zonular apparatus, degree I-II lens subluxation, in hard nucleus with absence of posterior cortical layer, in intumescent cataract, Morgagnian cataract to stabilize the posterior capsule and protect it from rupture.