Lensectomy.

Lensectomy is a new technique of lens extraction by which lens material is cut and aspirated through a fine-bore needle. The technique is simple and atraumatic. The small limbal incision, which does not require suturing, has the advantage of reducing the risk of vitreous loss and the amount of surgically-induced astigmatism to a minimum. Instruments designed primarily for vitreous surgery were used in the removal of cataracts from seventy eyes. This preliminary report shows that this new approach offers several advantages over conventional methods in selected cases. It appears to be of particular value in the management of cataracts secondary to chronic anterior uveitis. It is also a good alternative in the treatment of traumatic, presenile, and congenital or juvenile cataracts. Lensectomy is not a suitable technique for the removal of calcified lenses or those with hard nuclei. Possible complications include endothelial damage, loss of lens matter into the vitreous, and retinal detachment.