Expanding Small Pupil Expansion Options with the APX 200

A large square or trapezoidal opening with minimal intraocular manipulation

By: P. Dee Stephenson, MD

10/02/2015

Editorially Independent Content

There are a number of tools available for mechanical dilation of small pupils, including iris hooks and intraocular rings. The APX 200 Pupil Expanding Device (APX Ophthalmology) is a new pupillary expansion device that can achieve a large square or trapezoidal opening with minimal intraocular manipulation. The device resembles miniature scissors with blunt, c-shaped claw ends that are kept open via reverse spring action. A specialized forceps is used to close the device during insertion, positioning, and removal. The APX 200 Pupil Expanding Device is disposable.

The APX expander device is placed through a 19G stab incision. The terminal end goes under the iris and stretches it nicely; the procedure is repeated on the opposite side. The pupil is large and I find that I can perform the capsulorhexis, phacoemulsification, and IOL insertion without having to adjust the location of the APX expanders. I have also used the APX expanders in conjunction with intraoperative abberometry (ORA System, Alcon Surgical) and found that the expanders do not induce astigmatism. You may leave them in throughout the whole case.

To remove the device, you engage the distal end, which is exterior to the eye, with the specialized forceps and retract through the small stab incisions. I find the APX to be gentle on the iris, leaving the iris looking as though it had not been stretched.

« Previous Article Next Article »

Related Content

Expert Review

Stellaris Vision Enhancement System

John Hovanesian, MD

Expert Review

TRULIGN Toric IOL

Cathleen McCabe, MD

Expert Review

Healon Ophthalmic Viscoelastics

Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS

Expert Review

Macromers and a Personalized IOL

John Doane, MD

+ Show More

This content is intended for health care professionals and providers only. The information contained on Beye.com, including text, graphics, images, and interactive activities, is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Beye LLC, via its Editors and Publisher, accepts no responsibility for any injury or damage to persons or property occasioned through the implementation of any ideas or use of any product described herein. Although great care is taken to ensure that all information is accurate, it is recommended that readers seek independent verification of advice on drugs and other product usage, surgical techniques and clinical processes prior to their use. References made in article may indicate usage of medical equipment or drugs at dosages, for periods of time, and in combination not included in the current prescribing information. Inclusion of advertising materials on the website thereof, does not constitute and representation or guarantee by Beye LLC of the quality of such products, or of the claims made.