To the Editor:
I read with interest the review by Fișuș and Findl on the prevention and management of capsular fibrosis [1]. Apart for small-sized capsulorhexis, IOL factors and pseudoexfoliation syndrome, I would like to highlight two other important associations of anterior capsular contraction and phimosis, namely retinitis pigmentosa and zonular dehiscence [2,3,4]. In both of these instances, the capsular contraction can be severe and rapid [2], with onset as early as 4 weeks postoperatively and may result in significant loss of vision after an apparently successful cataract operation. These may occur despite an adequately sized capsulorhexis [3]. In patients with zonular dehiscence, the capsule may contract and cause subluxation of the implant in a direction opposite to the area of the zonular dehiscence. In the author’s experience, the phimosis and subluxation can be more severe when a capsular tension ring has not been inserted. In both instances, surgeons should consider carrying out radial relieving incisions of the anterior capsule at the end of lens implantation, to prevent the formation of a fibrotic purse-string. Alternatively, Nd:YAG laser should be applied to the edge of the anterior capsule [2, 3] preferably within four weeks of surgery and without the use of a contact lens.
References
Fișuș A, Findl O. Capsular fibrosis: a review of prevention methods and management. Eye. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-019-0723-5.
Nikpoor N, Stone DU. Rapid capsular phimosis in retinitis pigmentosa. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging. 2010;41 https://doi.org/10.3928/15428877-20100726-12.
Sudhir RR, Rao SK. Capsulorhexis phimosis in retinitis pigmentosa despite capsular tension ring implantation. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2001;27:1691–4.
Waheed K, Eleftheriadis H, Liu C. Anterior capsular phimosis in eyes with a capsular tension ring. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2001;27:1688–90.
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Ahfat, F.G. Comment on: Capsular fibrosis: a review of prevention methods and management. Eye 34, 2354 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-020-0817-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-020-0817-0