VISCOELASTIC-INJECTING CYSTOTOME

This continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) technique is for use i n complicated surgical cases such as when the anterior chamber is shal low, the red reflex is not good, or eye movements are present. This te chnique is easier and safer in such cases because it uses a cystotome connected to a viscoelastic syringe. First, the anterior chamber is fi lled with viscoelastic material using a conventional cannula. The cann ula is replaced with a bent needle (or cystotome), and the CCC is perf ormed in the usual way. This instrument allows the surgeon to inject s mall amounts of viscoelastic material exactly where and when it is nee ded. The anterior chamber remains deep while the CCC is performed, and the anterior capsule tear is done in a more controlled fashion.