Precision Extraction With Capsulorhexis Forceps

Capsulorhexis is the surgical removal of the lens capsule affected by cataract. Removing the lenses is a delicate procedure. The incision along the lens capsule needs to be deep enough to allow the entry of forceps to grab the lens and remove it. Creating an incision should be shallow enough to avoid injuring the iris. Removing the lens affected by cataract carries a risk of creating slits on other eye structures, which can cause another problem. The instruments for capsulorhexis should be small enough to be inserted into the thin layers of the eyes but can adequately grasp the lens. The capsulorhexis forceps does just that. 

What are the features of the capsulorhexis forceps?

The capsulorhexis forceps looks like an ordinary pair of tweezers. It is 4.7 inches (119 mm) long. It has an ultra fine tip, which is mildly sharpened. This tip can be used to puncture the side of the lens capsule, creating a small incision. The jaws of the forceps are slim enough to allow the surgeon to maneuver within the lens capsule. The shaft of the forceps has a 2.5 mm and 5.0 mm marks. These measures help to determine the radius and diameter of the capsulorhexis as the incision is being made. It is equipped with an iris stop feature, to prevent injuring the iris while the surgeon grasps the lens within the capsule. The handle has a cross action design, which creates a perfect alignment of the tips. This handle design reduces wound gape and consequent loss of viscoelasticity after the procedure. 

To remove the lens affected with cataract, the surgeon gently punctures the side of the lens capsule with the capsulorhexis forceps. It creates a micro incision for the removal of the affected lens. From this, the forceps are gently inserted into the lens capsule. The markings on the shaft of the forceps guide the surgeon in measuring the depth of the puncture and the radius of the lens. The slim and ultra fine tip of the forceps allows the surgeon to insert the capsulorhexis forceps and maneuver it within the capsule. The surgeon gently separates the lens from the capsule. The lens is firmly but gently grasped then pulled through the small incision on the capsule. The small incision made with this special type of forceps reduces the amount of viscous fluid that may seep out of the wound. Wound healing also occurs much faster from the smaller wound.

Capsulorhexis can result to injury of the iris. The injury may occur during the creation of the puncture wound or while the forceps are maneuvered within the lens capsule. To prevent it from happening, the capsulorhexis forceps has a gentle bend on its slim jaws and has an iris stop feature. The jaws are slim and pliable to enable ease of movement within the eye’s anterior chamber. The jaws have a platform to ensure a firm grasp of the lens. The entire forceps is lightweight with good spring action to reduce hand fatigue.