Capsule Retractor Extension Technique for Ectopia Lentis

The surgical correction of ectopia lentis can range from routine to extremely challenging and largely depends on the extent of zonulopathy. When the lens-bag complex is more severe and inaccessible using standard techniques, the risk of complication increases.

This is a single patient, bilateral and sequential surgical case report in which we describe a technique to improve access to the lens-bag complex when out of reach using standard surgical techniques. We describe a simple technique to extend the reach of a capsule retractor by stretching and extending the internal tip with microforceps to engage the capsulorhexis edge in the setting of ectopia lentis.

The capsule retractor extension technique simplifies and bypasses the need for any additional instrumentation to improve centration of the lens-bag complex for phacoemulsification of the subluxated crystalline lens. It is a versatile surgical maneuver, which can be used to facilitate placement of the capsule retractor within the capsular bag in the setting of severe zonulopathy. The capsule retractor extension technique is important because it promotes preservation of the lens-bag complex and anterior hyaloid face, which reduces the risk of vitreoretinal complications.