Eight-Chop Technique in Phacoemulsification Using Iris Hooks for Patients with Cataracts and Small Pupils

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Techniques
• Cataract Surgery

Background:

• Small pupils present surgical challenges in phacoemulsification.
• The eight-chop technique is a method for cataract removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the eight-chop phacoemulsification technique using iris hooks in patients with small pupils.
• To compare outcomes between eyes with and without iris hooks.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 130 eyes (65 with iris hooks, 65 control) undergoing phacoemulsification with the eight-chop technique.
• Measurements included operative time, phaco time, aspiration time, cumulative dissipated energy, fluid volume, best-corrected visual acuity, corneal endothelial cell density (CECD), and intraocular pressure (IOP).

Main Results:

• The iris hook group had longer operative times (10.6 min vs. 4.6 min) but similar cumulative dissipated energy (7.8 vs. 7.0).
• Postoperative CECD reduction was slightly higher in the iris hook group (2.1% vs. 1.2%) at 19 weeks.
• Both groups showed significant IOP decrease, with no intraoperative complications reported.

Conclusions:

• The eight-chop technique with iris hooks is a safe and efficient method for cataract surgery in patients with small pupils.
• This technique offers excellent intraoperative outcomes with a minimal impact on corneal endothelial cells.
• Iris hooks facilitate phacoemulsification in challenging small pupil cases.