Petalloid phacoemulsification

Hard grade IV nuclei are difficult to emulsify without causing additional stress on the zonular apparatus. We herein, describe a method to accomplish successful phacoemulsification in hard cataracts. This technique of "petalloid phacoemulsification" consists of partial central debulking, followed by sequential chopping to create petal-shaped nuclear fragments emanating from the partially debulked center. The rim of the petals are emulsified followed by the emulsification of the central disc and the base of the petal. Twenty eyes with grade IV nuclei underwent uncomplicated petalloid phacoemulsification. The mean phaco time was 1.02 +/- 0.06 minutes and mean percentage endothelial loss was 4.2 +/- 0.8%. Petalloid phacoemulsification is a safe and useful technique in cases of hard cataracts.