Studying the possibilities of hybrid (femtosecond laser-assisted) phacoemulsification in complicated situations is a relevant problem in cataract surgery.
PURPOSE
To develop a technique for hybrid (femtosecond laser-assisted) phacoemulsification in patients with a combination of hypermature cataract, small pupil and lens subluxation.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Hybrid (femtosecond laser-assisted) phacoemulsification of hypermature cataracts was performed in 36 patients (36 eyes) aged 63 to 78 years with grade I—II lens subluxation in combination with small pupil. The initial circular femtolaser capsulotomy was performed within the small pupil using the VICTUS system (Technolas Perfect Vision, Germany). After dilating the pupil with retractor hooks, the capsulorhexis was manually expanded to the required diameter.
RESULTS
In all cases, the resulting capsulorhexis had a regular round shape with a smooth edge, without radial ruptures. This made it possible to apply modern methods of fixation and centration of the capsular bag in case of lens subluxation and to perform intracapsular implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL). Complete intracapsular fixation of the IOL with optics edge fully covered by the edge of the capsulorhexis in the postoperative period was achieved in 34 (94.4%) cases. In 2 (5.6%) cases in the postoperative period, the edge of the capsulorhexis exceeded the edge of the IOL optics. The loss of corneal endothelial cells 3 months after surgery was 8.8±1.9%.
CONCLUSION
The use of the proposed combined technique of capsulorhexis made it possible to perform the most physiologically appropriate intracapsular IOL implantation in all patients with hypermature cataract, small pupil and lens subluxation.