Intraocular Lens Explantation Technique for One-piece Acrylic Lenses

PURPOSE: To present a simple technique to remove a one-piece, acrylic AcrySof (Alcon Laboratories Inc) intraocular lens (IOL) via the original incision. METHODS: The AcrySof IOL is removed via the original (2.75-mm) incision, without cutting or folding the IOL or widening the incision. After the IOL is viscodissected from the capsular bag and brought into the anterior chamber, toothed forceps hold the optic through the incision while the manipulator enters the side-port incision and hooks onto the optic 180° away. RESULTS: With the forceps pulling and the lens manipulator pushing the IOL toward the incision, the IOL will fold and be delivered. CONCLUSIONS: A one-piece, acrylic (Acrysof) IOL can be removed without cutting or folding the lens and without widening the original 2.75-mm incision.