Retinal protection using a viscoadaptive viscoelastic agent during removal of a luxated crystalline lens by intravitreal phacoemulsification.

Abstract

To report a method of retinal protection using a viscoadaptive viscoelastic agent during removal of a luxated crystalline lens by intravitreal phacoemulsification. Interventional case report. A 65-year-old man presented with a totally luxated crystalline lens in the vitreous cavity of the left eye. After total vitrectomy was performed, a viscoadaptive viscoelastic agent was applied over the retina and optic disk. Then the luxated lens was removed by intravitreal phacoemulsification. The lens dropped several times during the surgery but the thick viscoadaptive viscoelastic agent protected the posterior retina. In two cases treated this way, no complications occurred at six months after surgery. This method may be useful for protecting the retina from damage by a luxated crystalline lens and is less costly than perfluorocarbon liquid.