Pars plana lensectomy by ultrasonic fragmentation. I. Versatile and simple technique for cataract removal.

A comparison has been made between pars plana lansectomy and intracapsular cataract extraction Pars plana lensectomy has been shown to have many advantages. It is applicable to any age, while intracapsular cataract extraction is restricted to patients over 30 years old. It can be used in any type of cataract, whereas intracapsular cataract extraction is restricted to senile cataracts. It requires less patient preparation, less instrumentation, and less surgical dexterity than does intracapsular cataract extraction. It allows intraocular examination at the time of surgery. It can be combined with other surgical procedures (intraocular lens implantation, vitrectomy, cryoretinopexy, scleral buckle, etc.). It leaves the eyes in better condition postoperatively with fewer postoperative complications, and it gives good or better visual results than intracapsular cataract extraction. It is now unnecessary to learn (and teach) multiple techniques to handle different ages and types of cataracts since pars plana lensectomy manages them all with fewer complications.