Intraocular lens implantation in an almost completely retained capsular bag with a 4.5- to 5.0-millimeter linear dumbbell opening in the human eye.

As a preliminary step in developing a capsular opening that will permit the firm fixation of the full-size intraocular lenses (IOLs) of the future in a completely retained capsular bag, conventional 11-millimeter long posterior chamber IOLs with 6-millimeter polymethylmethacrylate optics were implanted in almost completely retained capsular bags with a 4.5- to 5.0-millimeter linear dumbbell opening. Undergoing the procedure were 23 cataractous eyes of 23 patients (average age, 72 +/- 8 years). Average follow up was 15 +/- 2 months. The dumbbell opening was made with an automated electric trephine or manually. The Cavitron 10,000 was used for phacoemulsification. Lens epithelial cell removal was performed by cryopexy. All IOLs were fixed in the capsule satisfactorily. Although complete transparency was not retained in any of the eyes, postoperative visual acuity was better than 10/20 in 16 eyes (70%). There were no apparent complications other than anterior capsular opacification.