Teaching continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis using a postmortem pig eye with simulated cataract(2)(2)

We modified an inexpensive, easily prepared model using a postmortem pig eye for training ophthalmology residents to perform continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis. To reduce the tension and elasticity of the porcine anterior lens capsule, 0.05 mL of formalin mixed with hydroxyethylcellulose or a viscoelastic material is injected into the anterior chamber via the corneal limbus to fix the surface of the central anterior lens capsule of the pig eye in situ. One or 2 minutes after the injection, only the anterior lens capsule is fixed and corneal transparency is maintained. The reduction in tension and elasticity of the anterior lens capsule caused by its fixation increases the resemblance of the simulated cataract to the human cataract.