Posters

Rapid technique for soft cataract emulsification

Poster Details

First Author: R.Om Parkash INDIA

Co Author(s):    S. Mahajan   T. Om Parkash                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To present a new en mass non fragmentation step by step technique of phacoemulsification in purely soft cataracts with no associated nuclear emulsification

Setting:

Dr Om Parkash Eye Institute, Amritsar, India

Methods:

RAPID technique was performed in 54 eyes, mean age 46.35 ± 3.95 years) using Centurion Phacoemulsification system (Alcon Laboratories) . Purely soft cataracts,without nuclear sclerosis,in young and middle aged individuals, were included. Technique was performed with 475 mm Hg vacuum, AFR - 0-45 ml/min in linear mode using torsional phacoemulsification. In acronym RAPID technique, R stands for rotation of nucleus, A - alignment of phaco tip , P- placement of tip adjacent to nuclear rim, I - impaling of tip into nuclear rim and D- devouring wherein nucleus is aspirated/ emulsified in multi-planes in rotational manner with second instrument coordination

Results:

In all cases, the overly soft cataract was emulsified safely. The cumulative dissipated energy was 1.03 ± 0.61. The total ultrasound time for nucleus emulsification was 3.84 ± 3.27 seconds. The estimated fluid used was 10 ± 2.35 milliliters. No intra-operative complications were recorded and in all cases a cataract surgery with IOL implantation was performed successfully. The mean percentage of endothelial cell loss was 7.05 ± 2.65 % (mean endothelial cell count, 2383.75 ± 105.21 cells/mm2 preoperatively and 2215.78 ± 114.9 cells/mm2 3 months postoperatively). No postoperative complications such as corneal edema was observed.

Conclusions:

RAPID is a non fragmentation technique for overly soft cataracts wherein complete nuclear division is not possible. The step by step,multiplaner, en masse technique requires neither any specialised instrumentations nor the use of high vacuum with complimenting surge preventing softwares, thereby, making it an easy to learn and perform technique. The nucleus is emulsified in the safe zone away from posterior capsule and corneal endothelium

Financial Disclosure:

None