Background: Capsule defects are common during or after intraocular surgery of various kinds. The purpose of this work is to establish a classification system of lens capsule defects to provide uniform description of these defects for ophthalmic research and IOL implantation.
Methods: A retrospective study of 128 patients (156 eyes) with lens capsule injury after ocular trauma and intraocular surgery was performed. The patients were divided into two groups. Capsule defects were defined and classified according to the location, size, shape and tension of the capsule and its effect on posterior chamber IOL implantation.
Results: Lens capsule defects were classified into four types: Type I - complete capsule; Type II - incomplete capsule, but has enough area and tension to support two IOL haptics; Type III - incomplete capsule, is able to support only one IOL haptic and the other haptic needs a suture; Type IV - no capsule, both IOL haptics need suture fixation. Type I and Type II were each divided into three subtypes. Type III was divided into two subtypes. The shape of the capsule defects included fissure-like, triangle, round, irregular and fan-like. All eyes with capsule defects can be sorted into one of these types, and it is easy to guide IOL implantation according to the classification. Type II was the most common among the two groups in this study.
Conclusion: The classification of lens capsule defects is feasible and favorable for uniform clinical description, clinical research and IOL implantation.