Diathermy capsulotomy to remove fibrotic anterior capsules in pseudophakic eyes

Abstract Objective: To evaluate a technique for removing fibrotic tissue of a shrunken opening of the anterior capsule. Setting: Augenklinik der Stadtischen Kliniken, Frankfurt, Germany. Methods: Intraocular diathermy was used to enlarge the anterior capsule in nine patients with intraocular lenses (IOLs) (eight poly[methyl methacrylate], one silicone). In five patients, the diathermy was done to improve the intraoperative fundus view just before vitreoretinal surgery. The other four patients had visual field impairment or IOL dislocation resulting from capsular opening contraction. A 1.1 mm paracentesis was made and a viscoelastic injected beneath the anterior capsule. The diathermy probe was then introduced into the anterior chamber and the capsule opening cut to the desired size. The excised material was removed with a forceps. Results: The procedure was free of complications. No eye developed a postoperative inflammatory reaction. Conclusion: Diathermy was easy to perform and according to these preliminary results, highly effective.