Effect of a capsular tension ring on prevention of intraocular lens decentration and tilt and on anterior capsule contraction after cataract surgery.

Objective: To investigate the effect of a capsular tension ring (CTR) on the prevention of marked decentration and tilt of the intraocular lens (IOL), severe anterior capsule contraction, and refractive prediction error after cataract surgery.

Methods: Forty-seven eyes of 43 patients that had an implantation of a CTR during phacoemulsification surgery due to zonular instability (CTR group), and 34 fellow eyes that did not receive a CTR (no-CTR group) were enrolled. The degree of IOL decentration and tilt and the anterior capsule opening area were measured using a Scheimpflug videophotography system.

Results: No significant differences were found between the two groups in the mean degree of IOL decentration (0.34 mm in the CTR group, 0.29 mm in the no-CTR group; P=0.1401), tilt angle (2.82 degrees in the CTR group, 2.56 degrees in the no-CTR group; P=0.3173), anterior capsule opening area (24.3 mm2 in the CTR group, 23.6 mm2 in the no-CTR group; P=0.7620), or refractive prediction error (P=0.3459).

Conclusions: In eyes with either zonular dehiscence or weakness, a CTR can prevent marked IOL decentration and tilt and severe anterior capsule contraction, and may lead to prevention of refractive prediction error.