Aspiration-Irrigation of Congenital and Traumatic Cataracts

Abstract

WITH THE increased incidence of congenital cataracts from the various rubella epidemics that have occurred throughout the world, ophthalmic surgeons have been reconfronted with the problem of the best management of cataract extraction in children. The aspiration of congenital and traumatic cataracts in young individuals has become increasingly popular because of the safety of the technique. Present techniques of aspiration have several drawbacks, such as frequent loss of the anterior chamber, repeated introduction of instruments, the need for multiple procedures, and large instruments requiring a large incision and sutures. In this presentation, a technique of aspiration for a congenital or traumatic cataract in one stage will be described. The anterior chamber is kept constantly formed during the procedure by an assistant who injects balanced salt solution through a separate incision. The surgeon is then free to perform the capsulotomy and aspiration. A similar technique is applicable to goniotomy, discission, synechialysis.