Primary Posterior Capsulorhexis

Synonyms

Primary posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis

Definition

An operative technique in cataract surgery to prevent posterior capsule opacification (PCO). It is based on the theory that by removing the scaffold for the migration of lens epithelial cells, a permanently clear optical zone can be provided. Primary posterior capsulorhexis can be performed in combination with anterior vitrectomy and is a common procedure in the treatment of congenital cataract. A planned primary posterior capsulorhexis is also useful in removing posterior capsular plaques and can also be attempted when a small posterior capsular rupture occurs to prevent radial extension of the tear.

History

In 1990 Gimbel et al. suggested that a posterior capsulorhexis is useful in three different situations: for the prevention of a posterior capsule tear, in the presence of a posterior capsule plaque, and in infants because the risk of development of a posterior capsule opacification is high. In such cases it...