
What should you do if you make a capsulorhexis and it ends up too small and not centered? You enlarge it! Enlarging a small and decentered capsulorhexis requires precision to avoid radial tears and maintain capsular integrity. The anterior chamber should be maintained with a ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD / viscoelastic) to flatten the anterior capsule and create space for manipulation. Using micro scissors or a cystotome, a small nick is made at the capsulorhexis edge in the desired direction of enlargement. Forceps are then used to carefully grasp the edge and continue the tear in a controlled circular fashion, redirecting the capsulorhexis toward the center. The tear should be kept tangential to avoid creating radial extensions. Gentle traction and constant visualization are critical during this step. If the capsule is fibrotic or resistant to tearing, scissors may be required throughout the enlargement. Just make sure that you end up with a new capsulorhexis without any edges that may run out!
