Capsular Tension Ring and Iris Hook Use in The Management of Cataract with Phacoemulsification Method in Dogs

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the surgical outcome of capsular tension ring and iris hook use during phacoemulsification in dogs with zonular weakness and miotic pupils. This study includes nineteen dogs (29 eyes) that underwent phacoemulsification (15 dogs/25 eyes) and extracapsular cataract extraction surgery (4 dogs/4 eyes) between February 2014 and February 2015. Patients with any ophthalmic problem other than cataracts were not included in the study. Some dogs did not achieve pharmacologic pupil dilation. These dogs required the use of iris hooks or the insertion of capsular tension rings. The capsular tension ring insertion was used in dogs with zonular rupture in more than half of the zonules. Capsular tension rings were inserted in cases of zonular dialysis and iris hooks were placed to widen the pupil. Fifteen dogs (25 eyes) underwent phacoemulsification, while 4 (4 eyes) received extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) surgery due to the difficulty of phacoemulsification in hypermature cataracts. Iris hooks were used in four dogs (8 eyes) for drug-resistant miotic pupils. Capsular tension rings were inserted to stabilize the lens capsule during phacoemulsification and to centralize the intraocular lens (IOL) in the bag. Capsular tension rings in cases of zonular dialysis and iris hooks in drug-resistant miotic pupils improved the success of cataract operations with phacoemulsification. Both are safe and useful for zonular weakness and for maintaining mydriasis during surgery.