Intraoperative and postoperative complications of Cionni endocapsular ring implantation

To analyze the intraoperative and postoperative complications of Cionni ring implantation in eyes with a subluxated lens or zonular weakness.

Departamento de Oftalmología, Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.

This case series comprised 7 eyes of 5 patients with a subluxated lens or zonular weakness secondary to Marfan's syndrome (n = 2), traumatic cataract (n = 2), or megalocornea (n = 1) or of unknown etiology (n = 2). An AcrySof (Alcon) foldable intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted in all eyes. A 2-eyelet Cionni ring was implanted in 1 eye and a 1-eyelet Cionni ring, in 6 eyes. The Cionni ring was secured in position with a transscleral suture knotted to the ring's hook, avoiding peripheral perforation of the capsular bag.

In 1 eye, corectopia was inadvertently produced by passing the suture needle through the iris root; lens subluxation temporarily increased during ring rotation and implantation. However, after the transscleral suture was tightened, capsular bag centration was excellent. In the eye with megalocornea, traction from the 2 hooks tore the edge of the anterior capsule rim. The most frequent postoperative complication was posterior capsule opacification, which occurred in 5 eyes, 2 of which required a neodymium:YAG posterior capsulotomy. After 1 year, the Cionni ring continued to provide excellent stability and capsular bag and IOL positioning in all cases.

Results indicate that Cionni ring implantation is an acceptable procedure to correct limited lens subluxation, preserves the capsular bag, and has few significant complications.