Anterior Chamber Illumination in Cataract Surgery for Eyes With Poor Red Reflex

Anterior Chamber Illumination in Cataract Surgery for Eyes With Poor Red Reflex

With a poor red reflex, it is difficult to see the anterior capsule and continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) margin, sometimes resulting in decentered CCC or radial tearing of the anterior capsule. In addition, other complications, such as rupture of the posterior capsule, dropping of the lens nucleus, or zonular dialysis, can occur during phacoemulsification because of poor visualization of the posterior capsule. These complications also increase the time of surgery and may affect the results of the vitrectomy.

Several surgical techniques have been used to alleviate the problem of poor lens visibility. fixed a chandelier illuminator on the sclera, turned off the microscope light source, and visualized the lens by illuminating the vitreous cavity. Furino improved anterior lens capsule visibility by staining it with triamcinolone acetonide. Although both techniques were effective, both had limitations. Vitreous chamber illumination reduces the visibility of the cornea and iris because of the need to turn off the microscope light. Staining the anterior lens capsule with triamcinolone acetonide allows for better anterior chamber visualization but the lenticular nucleus and cortex remain difficult to see.

This will be a prospective interventional case series, patients with cataract and poor red reflex will undergo phacoemulsification assisted by anterior chamber illumination to overcome the problem of poor red reflex.

Inclusion Criteria:

• cataract with poor red reflex

Exclusion Criteria:

• Eyes that had previous intraocular surgery or trauma were excluded.