Phacoemulsification with perfluorocarbon liquid using a 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for the management of dislocated crystalline lenses.
BACKGROUND
We describe the modified technique of phacoemulsification in dislocated crystalline lenses.


METHODS
After the vitreous and posterior hyaloid membrane were removed using a 23-gauge three-port vitrectomy, perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) was injected at the posterior pole in order to fill the vitreous cavity. The dislocated lens floated on the PFCL, and the injection was ceased once the lens had risen to the iris plane. The lens was then removed from the anterior chamber using standard phacoemulsification procedures. During the phacoemulsification, the PFCL provides a support underneath the nucleus, like a trampoline, and even small fragments can be completely removed.


RESULTS
The final best-corrected visual outcome was more than 20/40 in 11 eyes. Although two eyes showed LP(-) due to optic neuropathy, those eyes showed a remission in inflammation and an increase in IOP.


CONCLUSIONS
This modified use of PFCL in the removal of dislocated lenses fragments may overcome the limitation of earlier management of dislocated lenses.
Department of Ophthalmology, Maryknoll Hospital, 12-4 Ga, DaeChung-Dong, Jung-Gu, Busan, 600-730, South Korea.
Hyun Duk
HD
Jang
Soo Jung
SJ
Lee
Jung Min
JM
Park
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D007906:Lens Subluxation / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000379:methods*; D012599:Sclerostomy; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000379:methods*
D005466:Fluorocarbons