Removal of lens epithelial cells by dispersion with enzymatic treatment followed by aspiration.

We conducted a preliminary trial of a method of lens epithelial cell removal in cataract surgery that combined mechanical and pharmaceutical treatments. The cells were first loosened from their junctional complexes with Dispase, a preparation of a neutral protease used for separating cells in tissue culture. To avoid intraocular tissue damage, the enzyme preparation was dissolved in sodium hyaluronate and injected into the capsular bag, which was carefully preserved during endocapsular cataract surgery. The cells were then removed by irrigation and aspiration. The results of experiments in vitro and in rabbits and, judging from the histopathologic examination, with negligible damage to the zonules or corneal endothelium.