Piggybacking technique for vitreous protection during opacified intraocular lens exchange in eyes with an open posterior capsule.

UNLABELLED: We describe a surgical technique for the safe exchange of opacified 1-piece IOLs in eyes that have had a neodymium:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. Initially, the opacified IOL is freed from the capsule adhesions using a dispersive ophthalmic viscosurgical device, which is also injected beneath the opacified IOL to protect the vitreous interface. The IOL is then brought into the anterior chamber. A new 3-piece clear IOL is injected before the opacified IOL is removed and is placed behind the opacified IOL, preventing the vitreous from prolapsing. The pupil is constricted pharmacologically, and the opacified IOL is removed through a standard 2.75 mm corneal incision using the hinge technique. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.