Morcher Ring

In a small number of cataract patients, the zonules, or small fibers in the eye that hold the lens in place, are too weak to keep the lens stable. During cataract surgery andimplantion of new lenses in these patients, the zonules may stretch or break, causing instability and complications.

The use of the capsular tension ring, manufactured by Morcher GmbH in Stuttgart, Germany, stabilizes the lens capsule and the zonules that hold it in place, both during surgery and post-operatively, and improves the chance of a successful completion of the cataract surgery.

These rings are used extensively throughout the world, but in the U.S., the F.D.A. has yet to grant approval for unrestricted use.Dr. Steinert has been an investigator in the studies of the ring necessary to obtain F.D.A. approval.

Candidates for endocapsular rings include patients at risk for weakened zonules, particularly patients with a history of pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, trauma, or
difficulty in previous eye surgery.