Silicone plate-haptic lens injection without prior incision enlargement

Injection devices are routinely used to implant silicone plate-haptic intraocular lenses (IOLs). The injector cannula is normally introduced directly into the anterior chamber prior to injection, either after deliberate wound enlargement or by forcible entry with significant wound stretching. We present a technique for injecting the lens through the wound in which apposition is maintained between the injector tip and the unenlarged phaco incision. In 25 eyes, the wound enlarged after IOL implantation by a mean of 0.13 mm +/- 0.05 (SD), representing a 4.0% increase in width. We have found this modified technique to be safe, effective, and reproducible.