Histology of anterior capsule edges produced by CCC and DC

We compared the postoperative characteristics of the anterior capsule edges produced by two incision techniques: continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) and diathermy capsulorhexis (DC). We examined the incised rims of human and animal capsules histologically and also compared the configuration and strength of the rims produced in animal experimentation. Histological examination of rabbit lenses revealed that 0.5 seconds was sufficient for coagulation of the anterior capsule: longer times caused deeper cortical tissue damage. Experimentally produced small capsulorhexis (3.5 mm diameter) with DC produced edges were less elastic than with CCC when tension was applied.