Preplaced inferior iris suture method for small pupil phacoemulsification.

A surgical method for managing poorly dilating pupils preoperatively is presented. A fine polypropylene suture is preplaced through the inferior iris sphincter prior to an inferior radial iridotomy in preparation for nucleus fracture endolenticular phacoemulsification. Placing the suture prior to the iridotomy assures proper aesthetic and functional alignment of the incised iris pillars, while enlarging the pupil inferiorly accommodates in-the-bag nucleus emulsification. This new surgical method maintains pupillary appearance and function postoperatively.