Graether pupil expander for managing the small pupil during surgery

The Graether pupil expander, a device for mechanically dilating the pupil, is a soft silicone ring grooved to engage the iris sphincter and maintain pupil dilation during cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation. The ring is incomplete; the gap is bridged by a slender strap that provides access to the pupil aperture. The pupil expander will be preloaded on a disposable insertion tool that permits the expander to be inserted through the primary surgical incision. Stretching the pupil and placing the pupil expander is facilitated by an iris glide-retractor that fixates the iris sphincter at the incision prior to insertion of the pupil expander. Clinical experience with over 100 cases is briefly discussed.