Iridectomy of the anterior iris stroma using the vitreocutter during phacoemulsification in patients with iridoschisis

We present a technique to manage iridoschisis. This technique for anterior iridectomy of the affected iris fibers avoids intraoperative obstruction of the phaco tip and prevents postoperative complications such as corneal decompensation and glaucoma. Before the capsulorhexis is created, a vitreocutter is inserted in the anterior chamber and used to cut the iris strands at the site of the iridoschisis, making an anterior sectorial stromal iridectomy and preserving the iris pigment epithelium. Phacoemulsification is then performed. After the pupil is constricted with carbacol, remnants of the loose anterior iris fibers are excised with the vitreocutter and the scleral incision is sutured.