Cataract extraction by the intracapsular methods and by phacoemulsification: the results of surgeons in training

The results of 63 phacoemulsifications performed by 14 resident ophthalmologists (surgeons in training) were compared to their first 112 intracapsular cataract procedures. Although the number of complications was greater in the eyes undergoing intracapsular operations, the final visual acuities obtained by either procedurewere similar: visual acuities in the range of 20/20 to 20/30 were found in 80.7% of intracapsular cataract operations and in 83.3% of phacoemulsification procedures. Visual acuities of 20/50 or better were found in 90.3% of intracapsular cataract extractions andin 88.8% of phacoemulsification procedures. Cylindric correction of higher power was required to correct astigmatism associated with intracapsular cataract surgery as compared to phacoemulsification. The results of irrigation-aspiration of soft or traumatic cataracts performed in 20 eyes with needle and syringe were compared to results of 19 eyes operated on by use of the Cavitron-Kelman irrigation-aspiration handpiece. The incidence of postoperative secondary membrane requiring discussion was similar for both procedures. The basis for setting up a successful program for resident training in phacoemulsification is discussed.