Capsule contraction syndrome

Objective: To analyse the occurrence of the anterior capsule contraction following cataract surgery. Capsule contraction syndrome (CCS) is defined as an extreme reduction in diameter of anterior capsulectomy, capsular bag diameter and, occasionally, displacement of the IOL after extracapsular cataract extraction. It is relatively frequent in pseudoexfoliation, advanced age, in association with uveitis, pars planitis and myotonic muscular dystrophy.

Methods: 5965 eyes of patients were operated on cataract between 1.01.1994 and 31.12.1997 in Tadeusz Krwawicz Chair of Ophthalmology and 1st Eye Hospital, Medical School in Lublin. Two types of surgical procedures were performed: "divide and conquer" phacoemulsification with 4.5-8 mm continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (3385 eyes) and extracapsular cataract extraction with "can opener" capsulotomy (2580 eyes).

Results: 20 cases of clinically apparent CCS were referred to the Department: in the course of intensive postoperative inflammation--5, in patients over 80--4, in pseudoexfoliation syndrome--2, myotonic dystrophy--1, ectopia lentis--2, other causes--6. In order to improve visual acuity in 4 cases surgical removal of the distorted and opaque anterior capsule was performed, in 3 cases relaxing radial tears were done, in 3 cases secondary anterior capsulotomy was performed using Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.

Conclusions: In cases where the occurrence of CCS is especially high large diameter capsulorhexis should be performed and IOL designed to provide maximal peripheral capsular bag expansion should be implanted.