Managing inferior zonule tears during manual extracapsular cataract extraction

Abstract

We describe a new technique for safely concluding manual extracapsular cataract extraction in the presence of a rupture of the inferior zonules. A lens glide is inserted in the anterior chamber. The tip of the glide is placed in the inferior part of the capsular bag, pushing it toward the ciliary sulcus at 6 o’clock. The extraocular part of the glide is sutured to the sclera to prevent its displacement during manipulation of the eye. The glide spreads the rolled inferior capsule, allowing aspiration of retained cortical material and in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation. The glide is then removed. This technique was used in 12 eyes with pseudoexfoliation in which the complication occurred. No vitreous loss, lens displacement, or other intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed.