A retrospective study of the indications and outcomes of capsular tension ring insertion during cataract surgery at a tertiary teaching hospital

BACKGROUND: The purpose was to determine preoperative indications, intraoperative procedures, and outcomes of capsular tension ring (CTR) insertion during cataract surgery. METHODS: A review of all patients undergoing cataract surgery with insertion of a CTR between July 2000 and June 2010 was conducted at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, a large tertiary teaching hospital in Victoria, Australia. Information relating to each patient’s demographic details, preoperative assessment, surgical procedure, and postoperative assessment were obtained. RESULTS: Eighty-four eyes of 82 patients were included in this study. The main indications for CTR insertion were previous trauma, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, and mature cataracts. Twenty-one eyes (25.0%) did not have any obvious preoperative indication. A posterior capsule tear was the most common intraoperative complication (3.6%). An intraocular lens was successfully implanted in the bag in 72 eyes (85.7%). Postoperatively, the most common complications were a decentered intraocular lens (8.3%) and persistent corneal edema (6.0%). Overall, 61 eyes (72.6%) had better postoperative visual acuity compared with preoperative acuity, with 67 patients (79.8%) achieving vision of 20/40 or better. CONCLUSION: For the majority of cases, CTR use in complex cataract surgeries is associated with improved postoperative outcomes. CTR implantation is most commonly required in patients with known risk factors for zonular instability.