Results of the intercapsular technique with the IOGEL lens

Evaluation of 100 consecutive IOGEL 1003 foldable bag-style lenses implanted through a self-sealing tunnel incision

The IOGEL 1003 hydrogel lens, designed for better capsular bag fit, was implanted in 100 consecutive eyes. We evaluated the visual and morphological results obtained with a mean follow-up of six months. Visual acuity was within Food and Drug Administration standards; however, morphological results were less satisfactory. Decentration of 1 mm or more occurred in 24% of the cases. Higher diopter lenses required a minimum incision size of 4 mm and tended to tear when folded. Once in the eye, they regularly came in contact with the iris. A gap between the posterior optic surface and capsule occurred in 61% of eyes. Within the short follow-up period, 9% of eyes required YAG discission because of Elschnig pearl formation. In conclusion, the newer IOGEL 1003 lens performed no better than earlier IOGEL lens models when placed in the bag, and the possible benefit of decreasing posterior lens subluxation after early YAG capsulotomy is offset by the disadvantages.

The diameter of the ciliary sulcus: a morphometric study

Based on a precise definition of boundaries of the ciliary sulcus, a new anatomical method was used to measure the diameter of the ciliary sulcus in postmortem eyes. In each of 41 globes, 24 different ciliary sulcus diameters were measured and were compared with the axial length, measured by ultrasonography. The mean ciliary sulcus diameter was 11.25 mm (SD = 0.38 mm). By linear regression, the axial length values were significantly correlated with ciliary sulcus diameters. In addition, our data suggest that existence of two groups of eyes differentiated exclusively by the diameter of the ciliary sulcus, independent of the axial length. We propose that the displacement of the pars plicata corporis ciliaris from the peripheral iris to the iris root during the embryonic period may be incomplete in eyes of shorter axial length. The findings of the present study may play a role in cataract surgery in which an intraocular lens is inserted into the ciliary sulcus.

Evaluation of 200 consecutive IOGEL 1103 capsular-bag lenses implanted through a small incision

We evaluated 200 consecutive IOGEL 1103 capsular bag intraocular lenses. We performed a 5 to 6 mm capsulorhexis and inserted the intraocular lens (IOL) through a 3.5 to 4.0 mm scleral tunnel with a Faulkner folder. Twenty-two cases were combined with trabeculectomy and ten with keratoplasty using a temporary keratoprosthesis. Mean follow-up was six months. The implant centered well and resisted capsular shrinkage. Iris touch to the optic was rare and did not provoke persistent pigment dispersion. In one third of the cases a cleft was discernible between the posterior convex IOL surface and the extended capsule despite thorough aspiration of viscoelastic and debris from the retrolental space. In 8% of cases, white flakes of unknown origin were observed at the IOL-capsule interface. In cases associated with pre-existing iritis or intraoperative iris trauma (iris manipulation, iridectomy, or synechiolysis in glaucoma patients), fibrin exudation as well as iridocapsular synechial formation and macrophage precipitation often ensued. Cellular precipitates, as evaluated by biomicroscopy and specular microscopy, were less pronounced and more transient than on poly(methyl methacrylate) IOLs. Best case visual acuity results were comparable to those with conventional implants; all eyes attained 20/40 or better and 97% achieved 20/25 or better. The 1103 was easier to implant through a capsulorhexis opening and suited the dimensions of the capsular bag better than the PC-12 model.