Effects of phacoemulsification time on the corneal endothelium using phacofracture and phaco chop techniques

To quantitatively assess early postoperative endothelial damage caused by two phacoemulsification techniques and to ascertain the effect of differences in phacoemulsification time.

Department of Ophthalmology, Umberto Hospital, Lugo, Italy.

This prospective study evaluated 100 patients who had phacoemulsification using one of two techniques: phaco chop (n = 50) or four-quadrant, divide and conquer phacofracture (n = 50). The endothelium of both groups was analyzed preoperatively and 8 weeks postoperatively by specular microscopy.

Phaco chop led to significantly shorter phacoemulsification time and less endothelial damage. Mean equivalent phacoemulsification time was 25.53 seconds +/- 11.26 (SD) in the phaco chop group and 87.26 +/- 48.03 seconds in the phacofracture group. Endothelial cell loss was 4.72 +/- 1.2% and 13.80 +/- 4.3%, respectively.

The phaco chop technique led to shorter phacoemulsification time and less endothelial cell loss.