Phacoemulsification in posterior polar cataract: Experience from a tertiary eye care Centre in North India

Purpose: To determine the rate of posterior capsular rupture (PCR) and assess the postoperative outcomes in patients of posterior polar cataract (PPC) undergoing phacoemulsification using a combination of 揤� or �� nucleofractis and viscodissection. Methods: It was a retrospective study of 80 eyes of 64 patients undergoing surgery for PPC. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. After completion of the continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (CCC), controlled hydrodelineation was used to separate the endonucleus from the epinuclear shell with limited viscodissection. Phacoemulsification was then carried out by making a 揤� or lambda-shaped nucleofractis with the phaco tip followed by multiple chopping of the nucleus, ensuring the integrity of the epinuclear part of the lens. The epinuclear plate was removed after viscodissection. Results: The overall rate of PCR was 7.5% (6 out of 80 eyes). Of the 6 eyes, 4 eyes had been documented to have a pre-existing posterior capsular defect on slit-lamp examination. The rate of 搊n table� PCR, that is, PCR occurring intraoperatively was only 2.6% (2 of 76 eyes). Nucleus drop was not encountered in any case. Overall 87.5% eyes achieved a final visual acuity of 20/40 or better with 68.75% being 20/20 or better. Of the eyes developing PCR, two-third achieved a visual acuity of 20/30 or better. Conclusion: Using a combination of surgical techniques of V groove or lambda technique for nucleofractis and removal of epinucleus by viscodissection can result in a low rate of PCR and extremely good postoperative outcomes in cases of PPC.

Chitin degrading potential of bacteria from extreme and moderate environment.

Five hundred chitin-degrading bacteria were isolated from 20 different locations. High percentage of potent chitin-degraders was obtained from polluted regions. Potent chitin-degrading bacteria were selected by primary and secondary screening. Among the selected isolates, 78% were represented by the genus Streptomyces. Majority of the isolates had good chitinolysis relative to the growth although isolates with better growth were also seen. Such isolates are important for the production of SCP from chitinous wastes. The potent isolates belonged to the genera Streptomyces, Kitasatosporia, Saccharopolyspora, Nocardioides, Nocardiopsis, Herbidospora, Micromonospora, Microbispora, Actinoplanes, Serratia, Bacillus and Pseudomonas. This study forms a comprehensive base for the study of diversity of chitinolytic systems of bacteria.