Enzymatic Zonulolysis in Lens Extraction

Abstract
Between January, 1958, and May, 1960, I performed 757 intracapsular lens extractions with the aid of enzymatic zonulolysis. This clinical experience and that of other authors has shown that enzymatic zonulolysis simplifies operative technique and increases the percentage of intracapsular lens extractions. Enzymatic zonulolysis has been adopted by surgeons from all parts of the world since the first report on this subject.1 The statistics of these cases have been presented in other meetings. This paper will stress the complications and their prevention. Several authors2 mention complications, such as intensive and persistent striate keratitis; massive liberation of iris pigment; hyaloid rupture; secondary glaucoma; retinal detachment, and so forth. Such complications have been exceptional in this series. Experience has shown that they are not connected with the use of α-chymotrypsin and are easily avoided by careful surgical technique. However, a higher incidence of complications resulting from poor wound healing has