Phacoemulsification visual results and complications: report of 800 cases

The visual results and complications of 700 Kelman-Phacoemulsification operations have been presented. Early in this series, corneal opacification and vitreous loss were a major concern. Complications decreased with experience and at the present time visual results are at least as good as they were with routine intracapsular cataract extractions. Kelman has stated that the phacoemulsification operation is not an easy operation to learn. It is, to say the least, not a watch-one, do-one, teach-one procedure. If one is an average surgeon, however, he can with persistance and perseverance master the technique. The procedure, however, I feel is not for the occasional operator. The phacoemulsification operation has essentially been under trial these past few years. Its advocates, however, have continued to grow in number and as the statistics come in, it appears that at least for the present, the Kelman-Phacoemulsification operation in one form or another is going to take a very active part in the treatment of the patient with cataract formation.