Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers

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Volume 29 (6) * June 1998 * Experimental Science (abstract)

In Vitro Evaluation of the Efficacy of the Capsular Tension Ring for Managing Zonular Dialysis in Cataract Surgery

Ran Sun, MD; Howard V. Gimbel, MD, MPH, FRCSC

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In vitro evaluation of the capsular tension ring for managing zonular dialysis in cataract surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pig and cadaver eye models were used in this study. Lens material was removed with phacoemulsification, then the zonules were cut in one quadrant of the meridian to induce capsular bag decentration. Posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOLs) were implanted into the bag with or without the tension rings. The IOL and the tension ring positions were viewed using the Miyaki technique. PC IOLs were also implanted into isolated capsular bags with or without tension rings, and bag configuration was examined.

RESULTS

The IOL decentration was observed when the IOLs were implanted into the eyes without zonular support in one quadrant of the meridian. No IOL decentration was observed when the tension ring and the IOL were implanted together. When only the IOLs were inserted into the isolated bags they became oval, whereas the circular bags were preserved when both the IOL and the tension ring were placed in-the-bag.

CONCLUSION

The authors’ in vitro model demonstrated that the capsular tension ring maintained the circular contour of the capsular bag and IOL centration in the eyes with broken zonules. The results suggest that capsular tension rings may provide an alternative means to manage zonular dialysis during phacoemulsification and PC IOL implantation. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1998;29:502–505.]

AUTHORS

From the Gimbel Eye Centre (RS, HVG) and the Department of Surgery, University of Calgary (HVG), Calgary, Alberta, Canada; and the Departments of Ophthalmology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, and the University of California, San Francisco, CA (HVG).

Accepted for publication February 5, 1998.

Presented in part at the American Society of Cataract and Refraction Surgery, Boston, MA, 1997. Supported by Morcher GMBH, Germany; Ophtec Laboratories, Holland; and Ophtec USA, Inc.

Request reprints from Ran Sun, MD, Gimbel Eye Centre, 450, 4935 - 40 Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T3A 2N1.

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