Weak Zonular Support Increases the Chance of Posterior Capsular Rupture

Dr. Zaheer uddin Aqil Qazi (FCPS)

Purpose:
To outline the measures to be taken for strengthening weak zonules during cataract extraction.

Method:
Patients with subluxated lenses, iris/lens coloboma and trauma having cataracts will be discussed. Potential complications will be shown and techniques to avoid those complications will be highlighted and shown. Use of capsular tension ring will be emphasized and different methods employed to reduce tension on the zonules will be shown.

Results:
The patients whose capsular support was augmented by capsular tension ring and other techniques to reduce tension on the zonules had uncomplicated cataract surgery without posterior capsular rupture, whereas the patients whose weak zonules were not strengthened by appropriate techniques ended up with posterior capsular rupture.

Conclusion:
Cataracts with weak zonular support can be easily removed without complications if their extraction is planned properly and carried out meticulously by augmenting the zonular support.

Key Words:
Subluxated lenses, traumatic cataracts, iris/lens coloboma, Phacoemulsification