Pars plana vitreous tap for phacoemulsification in the crowded eye

This technique facilitates phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with extremely crowded anterior segments. An automated pars plana vitreous tap is used to expand the anterior segment when extremely shallow anterior chambers do not deepen sufficiently with viscoelastic injection alone. This technique permits successful completion of pupilloplasty, capsulorhexis, phacoemulsification, and foldable IOL implantation in these high-risk eyes.