How to Manage the Cortex After CTR Insertion

Abstract

Capsular tension ring (CTR) realizes safe cataract surgery. However, residual cortex removal becomes difficult with CTR. Originally, the flushing technique was developed for intracameral antibiotic administration. Using this technique with larger amounts of solution enables surgeons to 1) deliver antibiotics to the anterior chamber and area behind the intraocular lens, resulting in stable, scheduled antibiotic concentration and 2) entirely irrigate and displace the area, leading to the effective cleansing of residual substances and bacterial pollution. When performing the flushing technique, the residual cortex and debris that were not eliminated by ordinary irrigation and aspiration can be pushed out to the anterior chamber. Applying flushing technique to CTR cases, the residual cortex and debris trapped between the CTR loop and capsular equator is lifted into the anterior chamber and easily removed. If the capsular bag is polluted by bacteria, it may also be lifted to the anterior chamber.

Keywords:

• capsular tension ring
• cortex removal
• intracameral moxifloxacin
• flushing technique

Abbreviations

CTR, Capsular tension ring; IOL, intraocular lens; MFLX, moxifloxacin; OVD, ophthalmic viscosurgical device; I/A, irrigation and aspiration.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.