Automated Injection: Evolution of IOLs Implant
Purpose
Injectors are by far the best method to implant IOLs due to sterility reasons and less induced astigmatism. They can be preloaded or not; two different inserting systems: rotational or injective; two different materials, plastic or metal. Sometimes easiness of implant and reproducibility are not predictable.
Methods
Five groups of patients, 20 eyes each, implanted after uneventful 2.75mm Phaco procedure with 5 different injectors: A) Metallic rotational. B) Plastic rotational. C) Metallic injective. D) Plastic injective. E) Automated metallic injective. 3 Phases with scores: 1) loading. 2) Injection. 3) Opening and also the IOL conditions.
Results
The best scores in the loading phase were obtained in group B and D. Groups A and C preformed better in phase 2 and 3.
Conclusion
Injectors are very useful tools to implant IOLs. Preloaded can sometimes be tricky and a learning curve is necessary. Metal is generally smoother than plastic; injective system leaves one hand free to the surgeon and is especially effective when automated.