Abstract
Partial dislocation of the lens presents a definite problem both for the patient and for the surgeon. Recently, Clapp1 reported on a family with ectopic lenses in which 8 out of 11 children showed this defect. Burch2 gave a rather complete report of cases of ectopia of the lens, in some of which the additional feature of arachnodactyly was presented. Attempts to improve vision in cases of partial dislocation of the lens frequently have met with failure. Clarke3 expressed the opinion that the best treatment was removal of the lens. This usually involves the use of a loop, with more or less loss of vitreous, as pointed out by Duke-Elder.4 Knapp5 stated the belief that the most satisfactory way to remove the lens is by needling—two needles being used, one to impale the lens and the other to produce a rent in its capsule.