Indications. (i) For all forms of cataract in patients over thirty years of age.
(ii) For cases of high myopia over the same age.
(iii) For lenses containing foreign bodies.
(iv) For displacement of the lens causing irritation.
Probably no operation in surgery has so many modifications, many of which possess advantages and disadvantages which counterbalance each other so nearly that the individual surgeon must decide for himself which is the most satisfactory to carry out. The opinion of many surgeons, including the author, is that the ideal operation is one which can obtain sight for the patient at one sitting. The operation described below is carried out with this object in view, the various modifications and the indications for their use being subsequently discussed.
Instruments. Speculum, two pairs of fixation forceps, a Graefe’s knife, iris forceps (Fig. 90), iris scissors (Fig. 91), capsule forceps, cystotome, curette or spoon, iris spatula, vectis (Fig. 92), or lens spoon (Fig. 93).
Fig. 90. Iris Forceps. Care should be taken to see that the teeth dovetail properly.
Fig. 91. Iris Scissors. Their cutting power should be tested on wet cigarette paper before use.