PURPOSE: To evaluate the benefits of an alternative technique of anterior capsulotomy created to guarantee the complete implantation of the IOL in the capsular bag, during extracapsular cataract extraction. METHODS: One hundred and nine eyes were operated on through this technique and followed during a period of 1 year. The possibilities of the technique were evaluated regarding two aspects: the guarantee of a perfect placement of the IOL in the capsular bag and ability of providing an effective fixation of the implant through the characteristics of the anterior capsule remains. The first aspect was analyzed considering the number of cases where the two flaps could be properly observed during the implantation. The second aspect was evaluated through the positioning of the lens after 1 year. Specific difficulties and complications of this technique were also investigated. RESULTS: The two flaps could be properly observed during the implantation in 96 (90.6%) cases. One year after the surgery, the lens was centered in 81.9% of the cases, slightly off the center (less than 1 mm) in 13.3% and off the center (more than 1 mm) in 4.8%. CONCLUSION: These results, if compared to those presented in relation to other types of capsulotomy, indicate that this technique is a good alternative to provide the appropriate implantation of the lens in the bag, in extracapsular cataract extraction.
Cataract extraction; Intraocular lens implantation; Capsulotomy; Intercapsular; In the bag; Cataract; capsule; lens; Implantation; implant; intraocular; Visual disorders
