We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Capsulorhexis?

By Toni Henthorn
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,533
Share

A capsulorhexis is a continuous circular incision created by a cataract surgeon in the anterior surface of the human eye lens capsule to allow for removal of a cloudy lens. The lens capsule, an elastic, transparent membrane made up of collagen that surrounds the lens, holds the lens in proper position in the eye and molds its shape during near vision activities, such as reading. When a lens becomes cloudy due to age, trauma, or steroid use, a capsulorhexis is performed using a needle or forceps to create an opening in the capsule that is approximately 4.0 to 5.5 millimeters(0.15 to 0.20 inches) in diameter. After the opaque natural lens is removed using ultrasound, an implant or artificial lens is inserted in the capsular bag through the hole in the capsule. An ideal capsulorhexis produces an aperture with a smooth, stable circumference that overlaps the artificial lens by at least 0.5 millimeters(0.02 inches), with the edges of the implant completely covered.

The surgeon initiates the capsular tear with a central cut through the elastic membrane using a needle, called a cystotome. At the end of the cut, the needle is pushed or pulled to form a flap in the membrane that folds over itself. The back surface of the flap is engaged and directed with a forceps or the needle, with traction exerted in a circular direction. Once a continuous incision is completed all the way around in a circle, the free central island torn from the membrane is removed using the forceps. During the course of the capsulorhexis, a viscoelastic gel is inserted into the eye to push the lens in a posterior direction, maintaining tension on the capsule and enhancing control of the direction of the incision.

A successful capsulorhexis is a critical step in ensuring a good cataract surgery outcome. It allows fluid to be introduced through the hole and channeled between the capsule and the cloudy lens, facilitating its removal. The smooth curvilinear tear prevents the formation of radial tears in the capsule that may dissect to the back of the capsule, causing the lens to drop backward into the eye. Other purported benefits of the capsulorhexis include decreased clouding of the capsule after the surgery and better centration of the implant postoperatively. For these reasons, the majority of cataract surgeons prefer the continuous curvilinear tear to the older can-opener capsulotomy, during which the opening was created by making punctures in a circle with the needle.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-capsulorhexis.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.