Reopening the severely contracted lens capsular bag post-phacovitrectomy by injecting OVD and removing the fibrous membranous material

Abstract

Implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) after combined vitrectomy and cataract surgery is usually required to reduce postoperative refraction errors. However, because of the severe fibrosis of the anterior capsule and the adhesion between the anterior and posterior capsules, it is difficult to reopen the capsular bag to complete the secondary IOL implantation. In this study, a surgical approach is described for reopening the severe adhesion between capsules and removing the significant fibroproliferative membranous material by injecting ophthalmic viscosurgical device into the periphery of the capsular bag to separate the anterior and posterior capsules. The IOL was implanted into the capsular bag without any zonular rupture or posterior capsule tear. The position of the IOL was stable during postoperative follow-up up to 3 months. This procedure to open a severely fibrosis capsule was safe and effective.