Phacocapsulectomy: A novel technique to deal with extensive capsular fibrosis

Abstract

To describe a new technique of performing capsulotomy with phacoemulsification probe in cataracts with extensive capsular fibrosis. After making two side ports and a 2.2-mm temporal limbal incision, the phaco probe is inserted into the eye. An initial cut is made on the fibrosed anterior capsule with the phacotip. Subsequent cuts are made in the same plane to create a central opening which is of 5–5.5 mm size. This opening is quite stable as it is surrounded by fibrous tissue. Phacoemulsification and intra-ocular lens implantation can be safely done through this opening without damaging the integrity of the capsular opening. We have performed phacocapsulectomy in four such cases. All of them gained best-corrected visual acquity better than 20/40 at 3 months of follow-up. Creating a capsular opening in a cataract with extensive anterior capsular fibrosis is always challenging. Phacocapsulectomy can be a very useful method in dealing such cases.

Keywords

• anterior capsular fibrosis
• phacocapsulectomy
• phacoemulsification