The "lock-and-valve" incision: truce in the "suture wars"

We describe a variation of the "classical" cataract incision that uses midsize incisions and standard instrumentation. Perpendicular entrance and oblique cut create an acute angle with the iris plane, generating an intracorneal valve. This results in better apposition of the wound's lips and less responsiveness to variations in intraocular pressure; thus, fewer stitches are required. We have achieved favorable results in 16 patients using this type of incision.