Cataract Surgery via 1.5 mm Microincisions

Overview

A new technique of cataract surgery via two microincisions of 1.5 mm anda phacotip without silicone sleeve is described in this paper. The irrigation isperformed via a service incision (port) with a supporting device of the diameterof 20 G. Main problems of this method are discussed: the risk of the wound burns,and the insufficient stability of the anterior chamber. Based on author’s ownexperience from 80 operations performed, and on the data in the literature, thesuggestions how to perform this surgery safely using the conventional phacomachine are outlined. The author uses microtip – micro Kelman, pulse mode 5-10pulses/sec, flow ratio about 20 mL/min, vacuum up to 200mmHg, an overpressurecuff to increase the irrigation volume, and a thin walled supporting irrigationdevice of the inner diameter of 0.7mmminimum. In the conclusion, it is discussed,if this may be regarded as a progressive method and if it will be widely used.A precondition for its extended use is the wider commercial offer of intraocularlenses, which could be easily implanted trough the micro-incision just described.

Key words:
microincision, irrigation service device, wound burns, anterior chamberinstability