Iris hooks versus a pupil expansion ring: Operating times, complications, and visual acuity outcomes in small pupil cases.

PURPOSE: To compare iris hooks and a pupil expansion ring (Malyugin ring) in eyes with a small pupil.

SETTING: Epsom and St. Helier University National Health Service Trust, London, United Kingdom.

DESIGN: Retrospective case series.

METHODS: Patients who had primary phacoemulsification cataract surgery from January 1, 2012, to December 30, 2016, were included. Combined procedures and surgeons with fewer than 50 cases were excluded. Anonymized data were demographics, surgeon grade, case complexity, iris hooks or Malyugin ring use, posterior capsule rupture, zonular fiber rupture or dialysis, vitreous loss, operating time, postoperative complications, and visual acuity.

RESULTS: Of the 9552 cases included, 425 (4.4%) had a small pupil, 314 of which required a pupil expansion ring and 95 iris hooks. Compared with no pupil expander, iris hooks were associated with an additional operating time of 14 minutes for consultants and 24 minutes for trainees. The pupil expansion ring was associated with an additional operating time of 4 minutes and 6 minutes, respectively. Neither pupil expander was associated with more intraoperative complications. The pupil expansion ring was associated with higher postoperative anterior uveitis and corneal edema rates. Pupil expander cases achieved equivalent visual acuity gains.

CONCLUSIONS: The pupil expansion ring and iris hooks were safe and effective in minimizing intraoperative complications in eyes with a small pupil. The pupil expansion ring was faster to use than iris hooks. Monitoring for signs of postoperative anterior uveitis or cornea edema with careful insertion or removal of pupil expansion rings is advocated.