OPHTHAMIC VISCOSURGICAL DEVICE PROCEDURES : A MIRACLE TOOL FOR SURGICAL CATARACT MANAGEMENT.

Abstract

Introduction: Ophthalmic viscosurgical devices have remained an indispensable part of the cataract surgery armamentarium now for decades. Their use has been for forming the anterior chamber and protection of the corneal endothelium. Viscodissection and viscodelineation have been described by authors . We designed a study to evaluate the usefulness of ophthalmic viscosurgical device procedures in our phacoemulsication cases . Aim: The study documents the use of ophthalmic viscosurgical device procedures as an added step to facilitate cataract removal. Methods: Twenty ve consecutive cases of cataract with nuclear sclerosis one or two withor without any grade of posterior subcapsular opacication were enrolled. The cases were performed by a single operator. Phacoemulsication was performed as per protocol. Ophthalmic viscosurgical device procedures were performed as an additional step. Subjective and objective assessments were done post operatively. Results: The use of ophthalmic viscosurgical device procedures reduced the total phaco energy used per case. Discussion: Ophthalmic viscosurgical device procedures are advocated as an adjunct to power modulations to reduce the total phaco energy used per case. Conclusion: In the era of increasing sophistication ophthalmic viscosurgical device procedures represent an exciting paradigm shift towards minimalization and efcacy.