Phacoemulsification with Malyugin ring in an eye with persistent pupillary membrane--case report

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Persistent pupillary membrane (PPM) can complicate cataract surgery by causing a narrow, unresponsive pupil.
• Standard preoperative mydriasis is often insufficient for adequate pupil dilation in these cases.
• Phacoemulsification in eyes with PPM presents a significant surgical challenge due to potential iris deformation and vascularization.

Observation:

• A case of successful hard cataract extraction using standard phacoemulsification in a patient with PPM is described.
• The Malyugin ring was employed intraoperatively to achieve pupillary stretching.
• The Malyugin ring facilitated a wide and stable pupil throughout the procedure.

Findings:

• The Malyugin ring effectively addressed the challenge of a narrow pupil in the presence of PPM.
• It helped avoid intraoperative bleeding by circumventing potential blood vessels within the membrane.
• The device prevented accidental aspiration of the membrane and allowed its removal at the procedure's conclusion.

Implications:

• The Malyugin ring is a valuable tool for enhancing safety and efficacy in cataract surgery for eyes with PPM.
• This technique potentially reduces the risk of complications associated with operating on vascularized pupillary membranes.
• It offers a reliable method for managing complex cataract cases involving persistent pupillary membranes.