How A Capsulorhexis Forceps Is Used

By Freida Lamb


Capsulorhexis forceps are used in ophthalmic surgery to remove cataracts from the lens capsule. This medical technology has moved on considerably. Using modern medical tongs, there is no longer a need to remove the whole lens and its capsule so the surgery is far less invasive and damaging.

Precision medical tongs eliminate the risk of material being left in. This did happen with can opener techniques, and could provoke an inflammatory response. Cataract surgery, as a direct result, has become a popular, everyday procedure. CCC or Continuous Curvilinear Capsulorhexis was spearheaded in 1984 by Howard Gimbel. It's now the standard surgical technique, letting the capsule remain intact.

CCC forceps, used properly, prevent the vitreous from egressing, keep the barrier between the forefront and rear of the eye and let you site the intraocular lens in the best position. Performing the surgery with this tool helps prevent ragged edges; whereas the can opener technique could leave these on the anterior surface of a lens.

The incisions used to sometimes result in a tear. The new equipment however means there are no jagged edges that could tear. There should be no gaping in the incision site, due to the instrument's coaxial design. There have been excellent clinical results from the technique, which is far less invasive.

There are, naturally, many types of forcep on the market with at least seven granted patents. The tips should be at a 45 degree angle, usually with 12mm long tips. There should be a wide jaw gap, to enable a very effective pinch, and a tight closing. This prevents inadvertent damage or removal of Decemet's membrane behind the stroma.

Choose a CCC with a built-in ruler, to measure at pinpoint accuracy the incision length, with half mm divisions. Some also have viewing ports at the tips, so ophthalmologists are able to precisely visualize the area being grasped. Guide pins have also been patented. Cataract surgery is transformational for the patient, and Capsulorhexis forceps make it more medically manageable.




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