Oetting Thomas A, Omphroy Luis C
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1091, USA.
J Cataract Refract Surg. 2002 Apr;28(4):596-8. doi: 10.1016/s0886-3350(01)01100-2.
Flexible nylon iris retractors are a useful adjunct to cataract surgery in cases of small pupil. We present a modification of the standard technique. Instead of approaching the square-shaped pupil formed by iris retractors from the side, we recommend an approach anterior to 1 of the retractor hooks. From the surgeon's viewpoint, the pupil goes from a square shape to a diamond shape. This modification minimizes the likelihood of iris prolapse and iris damage during phacoemulsification and increases the workspace for the phacoemulsification needle.
