Severe complications associated with the extraction of the dislocated lens have made many surgeons hesitant to operate in such cases. However, with cryoextraction of the lens, using a controllable probe inserted into the eye at ambient (room) temperature, the operative risk is greatly reduced.
Previous work in cryoextraction of the dislocated lens1 described the use of a double-pronged needle, which was inserted with the patient in a prone position, to trap and support the lens prior to cryoextraction. Frequently, the probe had to be applied a few times before good contact with the lens was obtained. This was due to refraction of light rays by the vitreous anterior to the lens, disturbing the operator's judgment of depth.
The technique was not entirely satisfactory mainly because of the damage inflicted to the pars plana by insertion of the double-pronged needle. It was impossible to remove a lens fixed to the