Temporary graft for closed-system cataract surgery during corneal triple procedures

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Cataract Surgery

Background:

• Triple corneal procedures, including phacoemulsification, offer advantages in a closed chamber setting.
• Dense corneal opacity can preclude closed-chamber surgery, necessitating alternative approaches.
• Cataract surgery in patients with corneal opacity presents unique surgical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel technique for performing phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in patients with dense corneal opacity.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a temporary corneal graft in facilitating cataract surgery within a triple procedure.

Main Methods:

• A temporary corneal graft was utilized using a corneal button unsuitable for penetrating keratoplasty.
• Phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens implantation were performed through a corneal tunnel created on the temporary graft.
• The temporary graft was subsequently replaced with a permanent corneal graft.

Main Results:

• The described technique successfully enabled phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens implantation in all 3 treated patients.
• The method proved effective for managing combined cataract and dense corneal opacity.
• No complications were reported in the provided case series.

Conclusions:

• A temporary corneal graft is a viable option to facilitate phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in triple procedures complicated by dense corneal opacity.
• This approach allows for cataract extraction and lens placement when direct closed-chamber surgery is not feasible.
• The technique offers a safe and effective solution for visually significant cataracts coexisting with corneal opacity.