Anterior Chamber Endoillumination-Assisted Phacoemulsification in Eyes With Coexisting Cataract and Corneal Opacities
Narrative Responses:
Purpose
To describe the surgical techniques and outcomes of anterior chamber (AC) endoillumination assisted phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (PE +IOL) in eyes with co existing cataract and corneal opacities.
Methods
Interventional case series of six eyes of five patients with preexisting corneal opacities and cataract. Five eyes underwent PE + IOL implantation while one eye had PE + IOL combined with manual top–hat penetrating Keratoplasty (TH – PK). All surgeries were performed by an experienced corneal surgeon. In three eyes AC endoillumination was used to enhance the surgeon view during capsulorhexis while the remaining three had chandelier endoillumination light source to enhance the surgeons view during capsulorhexis and PE.
Results
There were no intraoperative or post operative complications. In all cases AC endoillumination facilitated an uncomplicated capsulorhexis and PE procedure. All eyes had postoperative visual improvement compared to their best corrected preoperative vision.
Conclusion
In eyes with pre existing corneal opacities, an anterior chamber endoillumination devise can enhance the intraoperative view for the surgeon. The chandelier system can provide a “hands free” source of illumination facilitating the surgeon to safely perform a phacoemulsification procedure in such cases.