Phacoemulsification and Lens Capsule Harvesting

The enrolled patients underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Capsulorhexis was performed using a 27-G needle cystotome and capsulorhexis forceps after trypan blue staining of the anterior lens capsule. Extensive care was taken to avoid iatrogenic injuries. After the completion of capsulorhexis, we collected the anterior lens capsule specimens by flushing with balanced salt solution combined with the pushing of the posterior wound lip through the temporal clear corneal incision. The delivered capsule was then spread into the original shape and position and fixed with glutaraldehyde. All specimens were immediately cut into halves and fixed in 1% glutaraldehyde at 4°C and processed for LM or TEM analyses or both. No complications were noted during the surgery and follow-up.