The Argentinian flag sign (AFS) is a feared complication during cataract extraction. Intralenticular pressures, especially excessive posterior pressure, have been identified as potential mechanisms for capsular stress and tearing associated with AFS. Capsular tension is created by positive intralenticular pressures, which cause the irido-lens diaphragm to move anteriorly once the manual capsulorhexis has been initiated. This tension can cause inadvertent tears that self-propagate to the lens equator, causing an AFS, among other intraoperative complications. Thus, this review highlights the importance of identifying intumescent cataracts as well as a combination of techniques to relieve intracapsular pressures needed to prevent AFS. However, some instances of anterior capsular tears are unavoidable. Therefore, focus will also be placed on techniques during cataract extraction used to manage anterior capsular tears, mitigating extension to the posterior capsule.

UNASSIGNED: Continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) has become the gold standard technique for anterior capsulotomy, a cardinal development in modern cataract surgery. CCC enables safer and relatively convenient access to the crystalline lens, however it is more challenging to master than older methods. Understanding the physics underlying this procedure is key to achieving the desired results and avoiding complications.
UNASSIGNED: To review and present the established information about CCC, and to create a practical guide to this important step in cataract surgery.
UNASSIGNED: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Scopus databases, with emphasis on up-to-date information. The first part of this review describes the evolution of CCC and discusses the different approaches, the various instruments available, tips and pearls and the general setup for best results. The second half covers more recent innovations and common complications, and strategies to prevent or manage them. This paper provides a practical review of all aspects of CCC.

The use of femtosecond laser surgery improves the precision and reproducibility of corneal incisions and the capsular opening; it also reduces the amount of ultrasound energy required for lens nucleus work-up. The rate of complications reported so far appears to be low. There are a number of contraindications such as a history of cornea and/or glaucoma surgery and certain anatomical features like deep-set eyes, kyphosis, tremor, and obesity. Visual recovery and refractive results of both techniques are excellent. Comparing laser cataract surgery (LCS) with manual cataract surgery (conventional phacoemulsification) based on meta-analysis currently reveals slight differences in refractive and visual outcome. Both methods are extremely successful and safe. LCS is a technique still on the rise, with its full potential not yet tapped.

Here we present 2 cases of capsule contraction syndrome (CCS). In both cases, a hydrophilic acrylic Akreos MI60 (Bausch and Lomb) intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted in the capsular bag through microincision cataract surgery, and the literature on the subject is reviewed. Since CCS has been described after the implantation of every IOL type, it is unlikely that the Akreos MI60 chemical and physical properties may cause CCS. When CCS occurs with IOLs composed of increasingly flexible materials that are inserted through incisions of decreasing size, a severe dislocation and deformation of IOL optics and haptics may develop. In both cases illustrated here, Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy was highly effective. Hence, also based on the literature, which reports severe complications as a result of surgical intervention, it is suggested that Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy be the first line of CCS treatment when the luxation of an IOL capsular bag is absent.

OBJECTIVE: To review the published literature describing the use of the LenSx femtosecond laser technology (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX) in cataract surgery.
METHODS: Literature review.
RESULTS: The LenSx system has been used in more than 200,000 cataract surgery procedures to date. Pre-clinical evaluations have shown that this system produces accurate and reproducible capsulorhexes, and that both the energy required for phacoemulsification and total phacoemulsification time are less than with conventional phacoemulsification. In comparative studies, femtosecond lasers have been shown to produce more precise and reproducible capsulorhexes than manual procedures, and better intraocular lens placement; capsule overlap, circularity of capsulotomy, and centration of the intraocular lens are consistently better with femtosecond lasers than with manual procedures. The improved quality of capsulorhexis and intraocular lens positioning are reflected in favorable visual and refractive outcomes. As with any new technology, there is a significant learning curve: prospective cohort studies have shown that the incidence of intraoperative complications such as suction breaks or anterior capsular tears or tags decreases with experience. In general, the incidence of such complications is within the range (< 2%) considered in recent evidence-based guidelines to be feasible and desirable.
CONCLUSIONS: Although femtosecond laser cataract surgery is in its infancy, the technology is evolving rapidly and offers the potential for more consistent and predictable results after cataract surgery.

Introduced in 2008, the femtosecond laser is a promising new technological advance which plays an ever increasing role in cataract surgery where it automates the three main surgical steps: corneal incision, capsulotomy and lens fragmentation. The proven advantages over manual surgery are: a better quality of incision with reduced induced astigmatism; increased reliability and reproducibility of the capsulotomy with increased stability of the implanted lens; a reduction in the use of ultrasound. Regarding refractive results or safety, however, no prospective randomized study to date has shown significant superiority compared with standard manual technique. The significant extra cost generated by this laser, undertaken by the patient, is a limiting factor for both its use and study. This review outlines the potential benefits of femtosecond-laser-assisted cataract surgery due to the automation of key steps and the safety of this new technology.

Hawai\'i has had the first US Food and Drug Administration approved femtosecond laser (LenSx as shown in figure) for cataract surgery since early 2012, a brand new laser technology for modern cataract surgery in Hawai\'i. This article intends to evaluate the cost, safety, efficacy, advantages, and limitations of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery through a review of the literature for the public of Hawai\'i. A search was conducted using keywords to screen and select articles from PubMed. In addition, recent published peer reviewed articles pertinent to the femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery were selected and reviewed. Safety and efficacy of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery were demonstrated in the literature, with improvements in anterior capsulotomy, phacofragmentation, and corneal incision. However, there were limitations within these studies which included small sample size and short-term follow-up. In addition, cost-benefit analysis has not yet been addressed. Long-term studies to compare the complication rate and visual outcome between the laser and conventional cataract surgery are warranted.

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, advantages, and limitations of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery through a review of the literature. A PubMed search was conducted using topic-appropriate keywords to screen and select articles. Initial research has shown appropriate safety and efficacy of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, with improvements in anterior capsulotomy, phacofragmentation, and corneal incision. Limitations of these studies include small sample size and short-term follow-up. Cost-benefit analysis has not yet been addressed. Preliminary data for femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery shows appropriate safety and efficacy, and possible advantage over conventional cataract surgery. Questions to eventually be answered include comparisons of long-term postoperative complication rates-including infection and visual outcomes-and analysis of contraindications and financial feasibility.

BACKGROUND: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is associated with an increased risk for the development of capsular fibrosis including capsular phimosis. A complete occlusion of the anterior capsular opening is, so far, a rarely reported phenomenon.
METHODS: Here we report the case of a 75-year-old female patient who suffered from a secondary open-angle glaucoma caused by PEX. Three months after an uneventful cataract surgery with capsulorhexis, phakoemulsification and implantation of a posterior chamber lens (PMMA) the anterior capsular opening of her left eye was completely occluded.
RESULTS: The patient reported a slow loss of vision (20/40 immediately after cataract surgery to 20/200 at the follow-up visit three months later). The examination revealed a complete closure of the capsulorhexis with thick, central fibrous material. The diameter of the capsulorhexis was extensively diminished. Reopening of the anterior capsular opening utilizing a YAG laser was achieved and visual acuity increased to 20/40. Additionally, the fibrotic, secondary cataract of the posterior capsule was removed, again with a YAG laser, five weeks after the first intervention and, now with a free optical axis, the patient\'s visual acuity increased further to 20/30.
CONCLUSIONS: The excessive production of fibrosis and the tendency towards a shrinkage of the diameter of the capsulorhexis postoperatively in patients with PEX may lead to a complete occlusion of the capsulorhexis. Even in such extreme cases, the reopening of the anterior and posterior capsule by a YAG laser is possible and, as demonstrated here, leads to a morphologically and functionally satisfying result.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence of cystoid macular edema (CME) after lens extraction, anterior vitrectomy, and intraocular lens implantation (IOL) in children using angioscopy after administration of oral fluorescein.
METHODS: Centers in Tamil Nadu, India, and Hong Kong, China.
METHODS: This study comprised 18 children (28 eyes) who had cataract extraction, posterior capsulorhexis, anterior vitrectomy, and in-the-bag IOL implantation. The presence of CME was evaluated 1 week and 4 to 6 weeks after surgery using fluorescein angioscopy.
RESULTS: Anterior chamber fibrin occurred in 4 eyes (14.3%). Fluorescein angioscopy was performed 1 week after surgery in all eyes and after 1 month in 25 eyes (89.3%). No eye demonstrated the presence of CME on fluorescein angioscopy.
CONCLUSIONS: Cystoid macular edema did not occur in the early period after pediatric cataract surgery using current surgical techniques. Longer follow-up is required to ascertain the incidence of CME in the late postoperative period.