DR. HRIDYA MOHAN

Abstract

This paper describes a novel, simple technique for efficient removal of cortex after phacoemulsification. In this technique, the remnant cortex attached to the posterior capsule is dissected by irrigation with balanced salt solution, injected under the anterior capsulorhexis margin at three’o’clock position, supplied from a 2 ml syringe attached to a bent blunt tip needle. The complete separation is characterised by elevation of cortex in the centre, resembling a blooming flower on time lapse. This is followed by injection of OVD and cortical aspiration using co axial probe. A study conducted in fifty patients with uncomplicated cataracts showed that this simple technique helps in effortless peeling of cortex from all quadrants in 3 to 4 tangential sweeps with minimal stress on zonules and requires no additional instrumentation.