What term describes manual repositioning of the lens posteriorly?

What term describes manual repositioning of the lens posteriorly?

• A. Phacoemulsification
• B. Couching
• C. Vitrectomy
• D. Lens implantation

Answer: (B)

Manual repositioning of the lens posteriorly is couching. This historic technique moves the opaque natural lens out of the visual axis by pushing it backward into the vitreous cavity, rather than removing it from the eye. It differs from phacoemulsification, which uses ultrasonic energy to break up and remove the lens with an artificial intraocular lens placed afterward. Vitrectomy involves removing the vitreous body itself and is not about repositioning the lens, and lens implantation refers to placing an artificial lens after removal, not moving the natural lens. Couching is no longer common due to significant risks, but it specifically describes pushing the lens posteriorly to clear vision.

Manual repositioning of the lens posteriorly is couching. This historic technique moves the opaque natural lens out of the visual axis by pushing it backward into the vitreous cavity, rather than removing it from the eye. It differs from phacoemulsification, which uses ultrasonic energy to break up and remove the lens with an artificial intraocular lens placed afterward. Vitrectomy involves removing the vitreous body itself and is not about repositioning the lens, and lens implantation refers to placing an artificial lens after removal, not moving the natural lens. Couching is no longer common due to significant risks, but it specifically describes pushing the lens posteriorly to clear vision.