Capsulorhexis and Corneal Magnification

To the Editor. —We read with interest the article by Assia and associates1in the May 1991 issue of theArchivescomparing various anterior capsulectomy techniques. The authors present a convincing case for the use of capsulorhexis with all methods of cataract extraction. Their experiment was performed with cadaver eyes from which the corneas had been removed for better visualization of the anterior surface of the lens to the equator. They document uneventful nucleus expression through a 6-mm capsulorhexis, without relaxing incisions. We believe the importance of corneal magnification during cataract surgery is not adequately emphasized. The cornea magnifies the anterior capsule approximately 1.15 times. A capsulectomy that appears 6-mm in diameter through the cornea during surgery actually would be only 5.2mm. A surgeon who does not make adjustments for this corneal magnification will create an opening significantly smaller than anticipated and, as a result, the patient will be