Prevention of posterior segment complications of phacoemulsification

The prevention of posterior segment complications of cataract surgery depends on the maintenance of an intact lens capsule and zonular apparatus. The phacoemulsification techniques presented here, including cortical cleaving hydrodissection, hydrodelineation, ultrasound power modulation, and management of the epinucleus and cortex, together with the special techniques presented for management of small pupils and compromised zonule, minimize the risk of damage to the posterior capsule by maximizing control of nuclear disassembly and evacuation. Choo-choo chop and flip phacoemulsification, in particular, provides a management strategy for cataracts of all grades of nuclear hardness whether in the presence of a small pupil or compromised zonule.