Seminuclear Flip Phacoemulsification for Soft Nuclear Cataract Surgery: A New Soft Nucleus Cataract Chopping Technique.

PURPOSE: To introduce and evaluate the seminuclear flip phacoemulsification (SNFP), a new soft nucleus cataract phacoemulsification surgical technique, in comparison with the conventional quick-chop phacoemulsification (QCP).

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

METHODS

According to the Emery-Little Classification System for grading nuclear opacity, 176 cases with nuclear hardness of Grades 1 and 2 were divided into two groups; one group received SNFP, and the control group underwent QCP. The intraoperative ultrasound time, ultrasound energy, complications, postoperative best-corrected visual acuity, central corneal thickness, and central corneal endothelial cell density were evaluated to determine the advantages of the new technique over conventional surgery.

RESULTS

The ultrasound time was significantly shorter in the SNFP group than in the QCP group (p = 0.01). The difference in the ultrasound energy between the groups was not statistically significant. Two cases of posterior capsule rupture were observed in the QCP group, while no such case was observed in the SNFP group. There was no significant difference in visual acuity or central corneal thickness between the two groups before the operation or 1 day, 7 days, or 1 month after the operation. There was no significant difference in the density of central corneal endothelial cells between the two groups before and 1 month after the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

SNFP can improve the efficiency of phacoemulsification and reduce the complication risk in soft nucleus cataract surgery. Trial Registration: Chinese Registry of Clinical Trials: ChiCTR2200063495.