Progressive constriction of the anterior capsular opening following intact capsulorhexis

The continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis has rapidly increased in popularity as the procedure of choice when using phacoemulsification for cataract extraction. Only recently, however, have complications of this technique been reported. We review the complications of a continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and present three cases involving progressive constriction of the postoperative anterior capsular opening. One patient had a history of myotonic muscular dystrophy, another had pars planitis, and the third had high myopia. A review of ocular findings in myotonic dystrophy and pars planitis is also presented, and the possible pathophysiology of this progressive constriction is explored.