Continuous Curvilinear Capsulorhexis in Cataract Surgery Using a Modified 3-Bend Cystotome

We modified a 2-bend cystotome for continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (ccc) in manual or phacoemulsification cataract surgery to improve the safety and ease of performance. a 26g needle was converted into a cystotome with 3 bends. in this retrospective study,the performance of modified 3-bend cystotome was compared with conventional 2-bend cystotome. during cataract surgery,in the 3-bend cystotome group,mean completion time of ccc was shorter,mean times of viscoelastic agent supplement were less,and ccc success rate was higher than that in 2-bend group. complication incidence,such as postoperative transient corneal edema and irreparable v-shaped tear,was also lower in 3-bend group. no posterior capsular rupture or no other complication was observed in either group. a polymethyl methacrylate intraocular lens or a hydrogel intraocular lens was implanted in the capsular bag in all eyes. we conclude that it is safe and efficient to accomplish a ccc using the 3-bend cystotome due to its ability to sustain the anterior chamber depth (acd) and keep the posterior lip intact. using the 3-bend cystotome also allowed for an adequate view into the anterior chamber from lack of wound deformation. © 2015 yuan zeng and jian-hua gao.