Intraoperative performance and postoperative outcomes of endocapsular ring implantation in pediatric eyes

Vaishali Vasavada1, Viraj A Vasavada, Robert O Hoffman

  • 1John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. vvasavada@hotmail.com

Insights

Cionni modified capsule tension rings (CTR) with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation safely improved visual acuity in pediatric eyes with ectopia lentis. This effective surgical approach resulted in stable IOL placement with minimal complications.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology
  • Surgical Innovation

Background:

  • Ectopia lentis in pediatric patients presents challenges for intraocular lens (IOL) implantation due to lens instability.
  • Standard IOL placement may lead to decentration and suboptimal visual outcomes in these cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the intraoperative performance and postoperative results of using the Cionni modified capsule tension ring (CTR) with a single-piece AcrySof IOL in pediatric eyes with ectopia lentis.
  • To assess the safety and efficacy of this combined surgical technique.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study included 35 eyes (22 children) with ectopia lentis and visually significant cataract.
  • Lens aspiration followed by in-the-bag implantation of a single-piece AcrySof IOL and Cionni CTR (single- or double-eyelet) was performed.
  • The CTRs were sutured to the sclera. Preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraoperative performance, IOL centration, and complications were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Mean follow-up was 28 months. Mean BCVA significantly improved from 0.78 preoperatively to 0.37 postoperatively (P = .003).
  • At final follow-up, 45.7% of eyes achieved BCVA of 20/40 or better.
  • Complications included IOL decentration requiring resuturing (8.5%), posterior capsule opacification (54.3%), anterior capsule opacification (2.85%), cystoid macular edema (5.71%), chronic uveitis (5.71%), and vitreous prolapse (2.85%).

Conclusions:

  • Implantation of the Cionni CTR with a single-piece AcrySof IOL in the capsular bag is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric eyes with subluxated lenses.
  • This technique provides stable IOL placement and leads to significant visual acuity improvement with a low rate of major complications.
Abstract

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