Analysis of capsular bag defects and intraocular lens positions for consistent centration

Radial anterior capsular tears frequently occur in posterior-chamber iris-plane phacoemulsification cases. These tears extend to the capsular bag equator and can allow the knee of an in-the-bag posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) to unfold a smaller anterior capsular remnant. This unfolding can allow the knee of the IOL loop to extend beyond the capsular equator, leading to IOL decentration. Typical anterior capsular radial tear configurations along with guidelines for IOL design selection and orientation after recognition of these tears are presented. Proper IOL centration was achieved in 255 of 262 patients (97%) in a study observing these guidelines.