Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate efficacy of a Mini-Capsulorhexis Valve (MCV), a new device designed to control capsular bag refilling procedure i.e. surgical technique for restoring accommodation. Methods: Following the ARVO Statements for the use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research, right eyes of 6 young NZW rabbits (1.7 Kg) underwent surgery. For each eye, a 2mm corneal incision and a small peripheral curvilinear continuous capsulorhexis of 1.2mm Ø were performed. Following phaco-aspiration, the capsular bag was first refilled with a viscoelastic material to facilitate MCV insertion. After the MCV was placed the capsular bag was emptied from the viscoelastic material and refilled using a lens material substitute, an in situ photo-crosslinkable polymer gel. The gel was then cured, the MCV removed, and the cornea closed. One animal was used as a control without MCV. Results: Compared to the control case the use of MCV prevented leakage of the lens material substitute from the capsular bag during the refilling and curing stages. It allowed polymer volume adjustment (injection/removal) up to the desired refraction before curing. It also facilitated cleaning of the gel from any unwanted inclusion such as air bubbles. No capsular tear occurred during the procedures. Conclusion: The Mini-Capsulorhexis Valve is a reliable device in controlling lens-refilling procedure. Its use is easy and does not require an invasive surgical maneuver. Assessment of the refilled lens accommodative ability will be done on a different animal model in the future.
Keywords: 338 cataract • 304 accommodation • 522 posterior capsular opacification (PCO)