RT - Journal TY - JOUR A1 - Vasavada, Abhay A1 - Desai, Jagruti T1 - Capsulorhexis: Its safe limits YR - 1995/10/1 JF - Indian Journal of Ophthalmology JO - Indian J Ophthalmol SP - 185 OP - 190 VO - 43 IS - 4 UL - https://journals.lww.com/ijo/pages/default.aspx/article.asp?issn=0301-4738;year=1995;volume=43;issue=4;spage=185;epage=190;aulast=Vasavada;t=5 N2 - We undertook this study to determine the safe limits of capsulorhexis during nucleus expression in 40 eyes of patients undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) implantation and in 30 cadaver eyes. In group I (patient eyes), capsulorhexis of 4.5 to 7.5 mm was performed and the nucleus was expressed by hydrodissection. The nuclei measured 4.5 to 9.0 mm. One relaxing incision at 12 o'clock position had to be placed in 9 patients. In group II (cadaver eyes), continuous curvilinear capsulotomies of 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5 mm were made in 5 eyes each. No relaxing incisions were placed. In both the groups, nuclei of all sizes could be safely delivered through intact capsulotomies measuring 5.5 mm or more. In two patient eyes, posterior capsule rupture occurred with rhexis measuring 4.5 and 5.0 mm, respectively. In the cadaver eyes, intracapsular extraction occurred in 4 eyes with rhexis measuring 5.0 mm or less. We conclude that a rhexis less than 5.5 mm is not safe for nucleus delivery during ECCE. ER -