Illuminated lens fixator for bimanual pars plana lensectomy

Pars plana vitrectomy and lensectomy are effective methods for removing pos teriorly dislocated lens material. We describe an illuminated nucleus fixat or that assists in the removal of posteriorly dislocated lens fragments. We tested the efficacy of the illuminated nucleus fixator compared to a stand ard endoilluminator in removing lens nuclei from the vitreous cavity of a c adaveric eye model. Use of the illuminated nucleus fixator as compared to a standard endoilluminator significantly reduced the time needed to remove l ens nuclei from the vitreous cavity. This instrument could penetrate and fi xate lens nuclei and could safely stabilize small and intermediate-sized le ns fragments against the activated fragmatome. Bimanual lensectomy using th e illuminated nucleus fixator significantly shortens the surgical time need ed to remove posteriorly dislocated lens fragments. Shortening the surgical time for lensectomy may minimize such complications as retinal tears, trau ma, and phototoxicity.