The choice of a syringe for manual cortex aspiration

The friction force of 5-ml, 2-ml, and 1-ml syringes used for manual aspiration of cortex material in extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) were compared. It was found that for a 5-ml syringe the force was 500 g, for a 2-ml syringe it was 250 g, and for a 1-ml tuberculin-type syringe it was only 50 g. The ease and duration of cortex aspiration in 30 cases of ECCE were compared using each of the above syringes partially filled with fluid, connected to a 25-gauge Gill's type cannula, and a closed anterior chamber technique. It was found that with the help of a 1-ml tuberculin syringe, cortex material was removed faster and with less finger fatigue than with the 5-ml or 2-ml syringe.