The Solar X-ray Imager (SXI) was launched 23 July 2001 on NOAA's GOES-12 satellite and completed post-launch testing 20 December 2001. Beginning 22 January 2003 it has provided nearly uninterrupted, full-disk, soft X-ray solar images, with a continuous frame rate significantly exceeding that for previous similar instruments. The SXI provides images with a 1 min cadence and a single-image (adjustable) dynamic range near 100. A set of metallic thin-film filters provides temperature discrimination in the 0.6 -6.0 nm bandpass. The spatial resolution of approximately 10 arcsec FWHM is sampled with 5 arcsec pixels. Three instrument degradations have occurred since launch, two affecting entrance filters and one affecting the detector high-voltage system. This work presents the SXI instrument, its operations, and its data processing, including the impacts of the instrument degradations. A companion paper (Pizzo et al., this issue) presents SXI performance prior to an instrument degradation that occurred on 5 November 2003 and thus applies to more than 420000 soft X-ray images of the Sun.

PurposeThe aims of this study are to define the various stages of capsular contraction syndrome (CCS) and its effect on refractive error with hinge-based accommodating intraocular lenses (IOLs) and to describe a systematic approach for the management of the different stages of CCS.MethodsHinge-based accommodative IOLs function via flexible hinges that vault the optic forward during accommodation. However, it is the flexibility of the IOL that makes it prone to deformation in the event of CCS. The signs of CCS are identified and described as posterior capsular striae, fibrotic bands across the anterior or posterior capsule, and capsule opacification. Various degrees of CCS may affect hinge-based accommodating IOLs in a spectrum from subtle changes in IOL appearance to significant increases in refractive error and loss of uncorrected visual acuity. The signs of CCS and its effect on IOL position and the resulting changes in refractive error are matched to appropriate treatment plans.ResultsA surgeon can avoid CCS and manage the condition if familiar with the early signs of CCS. If CCS is identified, yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser capsulotomy should be considered. If moderate CCS occurs, it may be effectively treated with insertion of a capsular tension ring. If CCS is allowed to progress to advanced stages, an IOL exchange may be necessary.ConclusionSurgeons should be familiar with the stages of CCS and subsequent interventions. The steps outlined in this article help to guide surgeons in the prevention and management of CCS with hinge-based accommodative IOLs in order to provide improved refractive outcomes for patients.

Purpose: To examine capsular tension ring (CTR) implantation to establish whether there are predictable movements of the CTR during deployment, indicating complicated vs uneventful implantation. Setting: Intermountain Ocular Research Center, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Design: Experimental study. Methods: Nine cadaver eyes were prepared using standard Miyake-Apple protocol with digital video recording. A 4 o'clock-hour zonular dialysis was created, followed by a capsulorhexis and hydrodissection. In 4 eyes, a suture-guided CTR (SGCTR) injector and 8-0 nylon suture through the leading eyelet served as a visible tracer for the CTR. In 5 eyes, a standard CTR was used. The movements of the CTR during implantation were observed. Results: In all eyes, SGCTR and CTR movements were predictable during implantation. All CTRs displayed cardinal movements within the injector, initially adjacent to the side of the inner diameter of the CTR. As the CTR made contact with lens or capsule, it shifted first to the center and then to the opposite side of the injector lumen. The appearance of an S-curve in the surgeon's view coincided with an obstruction of the leading eyelet and stress on the zonular fibers, as viewed with Miyake-Apple analysis. Conclusions: Traumatic CTR implantation might be avoided by understanding the characteristics of uneventful insertion vs an insertion complicated by entrapment or entanglement of the CTR. By recognizing the abnormal movements of the CTR associated with an obstruction, a surgeon might avoid iatrogenic complications.