A phacoemulsification chopping technique that attacks the posterior plate

Abstract

Objective: To describe a technique for nuclear fragmentation during phacoemulsification that addresses the tough posterior plate in 3+ to 4+ nuclear sclerosis.

Surgical Technique: The technique involves creating a central crater, flipping the nucleus out into the supracapsular space, and creating another crater through the posterior surface that will eventually connect with the anterior crater to produce a central hole. The donut-shaped nucleus is then chopped and the fragments are aspirated with greater ease.

Results: The technique was performed successfully in seven eyes of six patients with only minor problems. Phacoemulsification times were longer than usual because of the additional sculpting, but clinical results were not adversely affected.

Conclusion: For dense or hard cataracts for which the surgeon anticipates a tough posterior plate, this technique is a safe alternative to the usual chopping techniques.