Closed-Chamber Anterior Capsulorhexis Under Air Tamponade In White Cataract

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Techniques
• Cataract Surgery

Background:

• White and intumescent cataracts pose challenges during capsulorhexis.
• The Argentinean flag sign (AFS) is a potential complication during capsulorhexis.
• Preventing AFS is crucial for successful cataract surgery outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a closed-chamber air bubble capsulorhexis technique.
• To assess the technique's ability to prevent the Argentinean flag sign (AFS).
• To determine the technique's applicability in white and intumescent cataracts.

Main Methods:

• Prospective interventional case series involving 82 eyes of 80 patients.
• Needle capsulorhexis performed under air bubble tamponade without capsular staining.
• Efficacy assessed by successful capsulorhexis completion; safety by complication occurrence.

Main Results:

• Successful complete capsulorhexis achieved in 91.5% of cases (75 eyes).
• Capsulorhexis extension occurred in 7 eyes, managed with standard techniques or ECCE.
• No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported.

Conclusions:

• The closed anterior chamber air bubble technique is a safe and effective method for capsulorhexis.
• This technique successfully prevents AFS in challenging cataract cases.
• It offers advantages such as being time-saving, cost-effective, and reducing capsulorhexis extension risk.