Manual tunnel incision extracapsular cataract extraction using the sandwich technique

Small incision extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) using the sandwich technique is described. After capsulorhexis, hydrodissection, and hydrodelineation, the endonucleus is moved into the anterior chamber and extracted by sandwiching it between the irrigating vectis and iris spatula. In a series of 37 eyes, most achieved a best corrected visual acuity of 5/10 or better postoperatively. Complications were posterior capsule rupture, vitreous loss, and transient corneal edema. Small incision ECCE using the sandwich technique is safe, easy, and does not require expensive instrumentation.