Removal of lens epithelial cells by ultrasound in endocapsular cataract surgery.

A new method was developed to remove lens epithelial cells during endocapsular cataract surgery using a device with a tip that resembles the irrigating-aspirating tip for cortex removal by extracapsular cataract extraction. The tip has an opening on the side and end, both 0.20 mm in diameter, for aspiration. The opening at the end serves to remove the cells at the equator. The top of the tip is sandblasted to provide an abrasive surface. This tip is connected to a phacoemulsifier handle. After nucleus delivery and cortex removal, the tip is inserted beneath the inner surface of the anterior capsule. The cells are detached by the abrasive tip, which vibrates by ultrasound, and then aspirated. Histologic examination revealed that the cells can be removed completely, and that this method is more effective than vacuum cleaning.