Prewound assisted technique for hydrophobic foldable intraocular lens implantation

Purpose: To describe a technique for intraocular lens (IOL) implantation that lessens the degree of surgical invasiveness by implanting a tightly rolled IOL through a small incision without touching the eye with the cartridge tip. Methods: An IOL was inserted through an incision by first allowing the leading haptic to protrude slightly from the cartridge tip. It was then injected through the incision without allowing any part of the cartridge to touch the eye during IOL implantation. In one eye, the entire circumference of the beveled portion of the cartridge tip was inserted into the anterior chamber to implant the IOL, whereas in the other eye, the IOL was inserted through the incision by first allowing the leading haptic to protrude slightly from the cartridge tip. It was then injected through the incision without allowing any part of the cartridge to touch the eye during IOL implantation. We analyzed the incision width before and after IOL implantation and the degree of surgically induced astigmatism on the day after surgery and at 1 and 3 months after surgery. Results: Using our technique, both the amount by which the wound was enlarged and the hydration rate were significantly lower compared with conventional IOL implantation. Our method enables IOL implantation to be carried out through a small incision at a width that was only previously possible with forcible insertion. Conclusions: Our IOL implantation technique can be performed using both hands with no need to immobilize the eyeball.