6.5 mm optic AcrySof implantation through a 3.0 mm incision

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Cataract surgery often requires incision enlargement for intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.
• Minimally invasive techniques are desirable to reduce surgical trauma and improve outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of implanting a 6.5 mm optic diameter Alcon AcrySof MA50BM IOL through a 3.0 mm phacoemulsification incision.
• To describe the surgical technique for this minimally invasive IOL implantation.

Main Methods:

• The Alcon AcrySof MA50BM IOL was loaded into a Monarch II B cartridge.
• The cartridge tip was inserted into a 3.0 mm corneal incision, using the cartridge to stabilize the incision edges.
• The IOL was inserted by advancing the plunger, followed by tucking the trailing haptic.

Main Results:

• Uneventful IOL implantation was achieved in 228 consecutive eyes.
• Post-implantation incision width remained between 3.0 and 3.1 mm.
• The 6.5 mm optic IOL was successfully implanted without requiring further incision enlargement.

Conclusions:

• The Alcon AcrySof MA50BM IOL can be effectively implanted through a 3.0 mm phacoemulsification incision.
• This technique facilitates minimally invasive cataract surgery, maintaining small incision size.
• The described method offers a safe and efficient approach for IOL implantation in routine cataract surgery.