Illuminated lens fixator for bimanual pars plana lensectomy

Pars plana vitrectomy and lensectomy are effective methods for removing posteriorly dislocated lens material. We describe an illuminated nucleus fixator that assists in the removal of posteriorly dislocated lens fragments. We tested the efficacy of the illuminated nucleus fixator compared to a standard endoilluminator in removing lens nuclei from the vitreous cavity of a cadaveric eye model. Use of the illuminated nucleus fixator as compared to a standard endoilluminator significantly reduced the time needed to remove lens nuclei from the vitreous cavity. This instrument could penetrate and fixate lens nuclei and could safely stabilize small and intermediate-sized lens fragments against the activated fragmatome. Bimanual lensectomy using the illuminated nucleus fixator significantly shortens the surgical time needed to remove posteriorly dislocated lens fragments. Shortening the surgical time for lensectomy may minimize such complications as retinal tears, trauma, and phototoxicity.