Outcomes of first 50 cases using a new pupil expander.

Purpose: To describe the initial experience with the Assia Pupil Expander 200 (APX-200, APX Ophthalmology) in eyes that underwent phacoemulsification or intraocular lens repositioning surgery that required mechanical pupil expansion.

Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar-Saba, and Ein-Tal Eye Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Methods: The APX-200 is a single-use device, intended for mechanical expansion of the pupil during intraocular surgery. Two devices are inserted through 2 opposite 19-gauge incisions using designated forceps. The surgical course and early postoperative follow-up was recorded in 50 eyes.

Results: The study included 50 consecutive eyes, with mean preoperative pupil diameter was 3.7 mm. The APX effectively dilated the pupils in all cases. No complication related to the use of the APX such as hyphema, iridodialysis, or Descemet membrane detachment were noted in this series. A central and round pupil was restored in all eyes at 1-month postoperatively, with 14 eyes (28%) having mild sphincter tears. Pupilloplasty was not required in any of the cases.

Conclusions: The APX-200 was an effective and safe device for pupil expansion during intraocular surgery.