Phaco Tip 128:
Clear Corneal Incision: Radial Tear

On occasion, a radial tear of a clear corneal incision (figure) may occur. This is most likely to develop if the keratome used to make the incision was inserted in a manner which created a thin dissection on one side of the corneal tunnel i.e. one side of the keratome was elevated relative to the corneal plane.

Repair of the radial extension requires two interrupted sutures. The first should be placed parallel to the limbus, thus closing the radial tear. A second suture, perpendicular to the limbus, should then be placed as shown in the figure.

* Phaco Tip TM of Richard J. Mackool, M.D.

The parameters (instrument settings) and incision size presented here have been established by the surgeon and do not reflect recommendations by Alcon.

Figure