Cataract Surgery Techniques

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Pre-op Prep - Eyes on Prize

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Phaco Phun - The Modern Chop

Gold standard: Ultrasonic lens emulsification & aspiration.

  • Principle: Ultrasonic fragmentation & aspiration of lens.
  • Incision: Small, self-sealing (e.g., 2.2-2.8 mm clear corneal).
    • Benefits: Rapid healing, ↓ astigmatism, often sutureless.
  • Core Steps:
    • Corneal Incisions (Main & Side-port).
    • Anterior Capsulorhexis (CCC): Crucial for IOL stability.
    • Hydrodissection & Hydrodelineation: Separates layers, aids rotation.
    • Nucleus Management (Phacoemulsification):
      • Techniques: Divide & Conquer, Stop & Chop, Direct Chop.
      • Goal: Efficient removal, ↓ energy (protects endothelium).
    • Cortical Aspiration (I/A).
    • IOL Implantation (in-the-bag).
    • Wound Hydration/Sealing.

Phacoemulsification during cataract surgery

⭐ Phacoemulsification offers faster visual recovery and significantly less surgically induced astigmatism compared to older techniques like ECCE.

  • Phaco Power Modulation: Pulse/Burst modes ↓ total energy.
  • FLACS: Femtosecond laser can automate incisions, capsulorhexis, lens fragmentation.

Manual Marvels - Classic Cuts

  • ECCE (Extracapsular Cataract Extraction):

    • Large 10-12 mm superior limbal incision.
    • Anterior capsulotomy (can-opener/envelope), nucleus expression, IOL implantation.
    • Multiple sutures (e.g., 10-0 nylon); results in higher Surgically Induced Astigmatism (SIA).
    • Indications: Very hard (Grade 4-5) cataracts, subluxated lens, situations where phaco is not feasible.
  • MSICS (Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery):

    • Valvular, self-sealing sclero-corneal tunnel (5.5-7 mm).
    • Nucleus hydrodissected, prolapsed to AC, delivered via tunnel (e.g., Blumenthal, Fishhook techniques).
    • Often sutureless or single suture; significantly ↓ SIA & faster visual recovery compared to ECCE.
    • Advantages: Cost-effective, excellent for mature cataracts, ideal for high-volume settings.

⭐ MSICS is the most common cataract surgery in developing countries, offering near-phacoemulsification outcomes at a significantly lower cost.

Corneal vs Scleral Incisions in Cataract Surgery

Laser & Oopsies - Future & Fixes

  • Femtosecond Laser (FLACS):
    • Precision: Capsulorhexis, corneal incisions, lens fragmentation.
    • Pros: ↓ Phaco energy, astigmatism control, better IOL centration.
    • Cons: Cost, ↑ time, risks (capsular tags, miosis, OBL - Opaque Bubble Layer). Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery Interface and Planning
  • Intraoperative Complications & Fixes:
    • Posterior Capsular Rupture (PCR):
      • Signs: Deep AC, pupil snap, vitreous.
      • Manage: Anterior vitrectomy, IOL (sulcus/ACIOL/scleral-fix).

      ⭐ PCR: Most common intra-op issue causing vitreous loss. Risks: hard nucleus, PXF.

    • Dropped Nucleus: Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).
    • Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage: Close wound, sclerotomies.
  • Postoperative Complications & Fixes:
    • Endophthalmitis: Intravitreal antibiotics ± vitrectomy. Prophylaxis: Intracameral Abx.
    • TASS: Sterile inflammation (12-48h). Potent topical steroids.
    • CME (Irvine-Gass): Topical NSAIDs, steroids.
    • PCO: Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy (commonest late).
  • Future: Advanced IOLs (EDOF, trifocal), AI, robotics.

High-Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Phacoemulsification: Most common technique, uses ultrasonic energy.
  • MSICS: Cost-effective for mature cataracts, sutureless option.
  • PCO (Posterior Capsular Opacification): Most frequent long-term complication, treated with YAG capsulotomy.
  • Endophthalmitis: Vision-threatening infection, requires prompt intervention.
  • Biometry: Essential for accurate IOL power calculation and refractive outcome.
  • FLACS: Laser-assisted precision for capsulorhexis and corneal incisions.
  • ECCE/ICCE: Older methods with larger incisions, now largely replaced by phaco/MSICS.

Practice Questions: Cataract Surgery Techniques

Test your understanding with these related questions

Which laser is used in the management of posterior capsule opacification (PCO)?

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Flashcards: Cataract Surgery Techniques

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The best irrigating fluid for cataract surgery is _____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

The best irrigating fluid for cataract surgery is _____

balanced salt solution plus glutathione (BSS plus).

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