Open-sky capsulorrhexis in triple procedure: with or without trypan blue?

PURPOSE

To establish the beneficial effects of trypan blue 0.1% capsule staining in open-sky capsulorrhexis during triple procedure.

METHODS

Patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PK) with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 31 eyes of 26 patients with a mean age 64.4 +/- 6.9 years and anterior lens capsule was stained with trypan blue 0.1% to perform open-sky capsulorrhexis. In Group 2, capsulorhexis was performed without staining of the anterior capsule in 19 eyes of 17 patients with a mean age 60.6 +/- 5.3 years. The rates of complete capsulorrhexis and intra- and postoperative capsule-related complications were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The most common diagnosis before PK was corneal opacification in both groups. Open-sky capsulorrhexis was not completed in 3 eyes (9.6%) in Group 1 and in 9 eyes (47.3%) in Group 2. The rates of incomplete capsulorrhexis, posterior capsule tear, and transscleral fixation IOL implantation were higher in Group 2 (for each, p < 0.05). The diameters of capsulorrhexis were smaller than 4.5 mm in one eye in Group 1 and in two eyes in Group 2, and larger than 6.5 mm in two eyes in Group 1 and in three eyes in Group 2. Malposition of IOL, zonular dialysis, retinal detachment, and pupil capture were only observed in eyes in Group 2. In the follow-up period, there were no adverse reactions due to application of trypan blue in Group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Trypan blue staining of the anterior capsule during triple procedure helps the surgeon perform open-sky capsulorrhexis more easily and safely and in proper dimensions, provides positive effects on the other steps of the surgery, and decreases the rate of posterior capsule tear formation.