Indocyanine green staining for the triple corneal procedure.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In the triple corneal procedure, successful completion of capsulorhexis is of the utmost importance. Another use of indocyanine green dye for better visualization of the anterior lens capsule of mature cataract during the triple corneal procedure is described. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four consecutive patients (mean age, 69.5 years) with both mature cataracts and corneal opacity underwent the triple corneal procedure. After trephination of the recipient cornea, the anterior capsule of the lens was stained with indocyanine green. A continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) was performed, after which conventional triple corneal procedures were followed. RESULTS: In all four cases, this technique markedly improved visualization of the lens capsule and resulted in successful and easy manipulation of the CCC and subsequent removal of residual lens cortex. CONCLUSIONS: Staining of the anterior capsule of mature cataract in the triple corneal procedure clearly defines the border of the capsule, thus allowing easy and complete execution of CCC.