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Enzymatic Zonulolysis as an Aid in Cataract Surgery

1960; American Medical Association; Volume: 64; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1001/archopht.1960.01840010344004

1538-3601

Patrick Kennedy,

Glaucoma and retinal disorders

Joaquin Barraquer's 1 studies concerning the lytic effect of α-chymotrypsin on the zonule of the lens have resulted in what is probably the greatest advance in cataract surgery since the advent of the intracapsular extraction and the generous use of sutures in closing the corneoscleral incision. His original theory that the enzyme was probably specific for the zonule has been questioned by Salmony 2 and others. The chemical characteristics and physiological effect of α-chymotrypsin have been amply presented by Clement, 3 Rizzuti, 4 Bedrossian, 5 Jenkins, 6 and Raiford 7 with many others too numerous to mention. Its use has been reported by well over 100 authors. 8 This preliminary report of 432 cases summarizes the use of α-chymotrypsin over a period of 15 months. The cataract extractions reported here were performed at Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia; Mercy Hospital, Scranton, Pa.; Mercy Hospital, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; and Nesbit Memorial Hospital, Kingston,