Preventing the Argentinian flag sign and managing anterior capsular tears: A review

The Argentinian flag sign (AFS) is a feared complication during cataract extraction. Intralenticular pressures, especially excessive posterior pressure, have been identified as potential mechanisms for capsular stress and tearing associated with AFS. Capsular tension is created by positive intralent...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Indian journal of ophthalmology 2024-02, Vol.72 (2), p.162-173
Main Authors: LoBue, Stephen A, Rizzuti, Allison E, Martin, Curtis R, Albear, Sinan A, Gill, Ekjyot S, Shelby, Christopher L, Coleman, 3rd, Wyche T, Smith, Edward F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
anterior capsular tears
argentinian flag sign
Capsulorhexis - methods
Cataract
Cataract - complications
Cataract - etiology
Cataract Extraction - methods
Cataracts
Humans
intumescent cataract
Lens Capsule, Crystalline - surgery
Phacoemulsification - methods
Prevention
Surgery
surgical techniques
Tears
Citations: Items that this one cites
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The Argentinian flag sign (AFS) is a feared complication during cataract extraction. Intralenticular pressures, especially excessive posterior pressure, have been identified as potential mechanisms for capsular stress and tearing associated with AFS. Capsular tension is created by positive intralenticular pressures, which cause the irido-lens diaphragm to move anteriorly once the manual capsulorhexis has been initiated. This tension can cause inadvertent tears that self-propagate to the lens equator, causing an AFS, among other intraoperative complications. Thus, this review highlights the importance of identifying intumescent cataracts as well as a combination of techniques to relieve intracapsular pressures needed to prevent AFS. However, some instances of anterior capsular tears are unavoidable. Therefore, focus will also be placed on techniques during cataract extraction used to manage anterior capsular tears, mitigating extension to the posterior capsule.
ISSN:0301-4738
1998-3689
DOI:10.4103/IJO.IJO_1418_23