Effect of fluidics on corneal endothelial cell density, central corneal thickness, and central macular thickness after phacoemulsification with torsional ultrasound.

Aim: To study the relative effects of high and low fluidic parameters on endothelial cell density (ECD), central corneal thickness (CCT), and central macular thickness (CMT) after phacoemulsification with torsional ultrasound. Settings and Design: Prospective, randomized clinical trial based on a tertiary eye hospital. Subjects and Methods: The study included 65 patients in each group. Patients were randomized to either the high or the low flow group using a computerized random number table. The study was patient and examiner masked. All patients underwent phacoemulsification with torsional ultrasound. Visual acuity, ECD, CCT, and CMT were measured for all patients preoperatively at 2 weeks and 6 weeks postoperatively. Statistical Analysis Used: The Shapiro–Wilks test was used to assess the normality of the data. Mann–Whitney U‑test with the P value set at 0.05 was used to compare the two groups. Results: Cumulative dissipated energy was significantly higher in the low flow group (16.44 ± 9.07 vs. 11.74 ± 6.68; P = 0.002). No statistically significant difference was noted between the two groups in the ECD, CCT, CMT, or corrected distance visual acuity at the end of 6 weeks. Conclusions: No significant difference was noted in the postoperative outcome between high and low flow groups. Parameters can be modified to suit the surgeon’s preference, as both high and low flow parameters were found to have comparable postoperative outcomes.

Repeatability and Agreement of Four Biometers for Measuring Various Anterior Segment Parameters.

Purpose: To assess the repeatability and agreement of a new swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) biometer (IOL Master® 700, Carl Zeiss Meditec), an optical low coherence reflectometer (Lenstar LS 900®, Haag-Streit AG, Koeniz, Switzerland), a dual scheimpflug ray tracing biometer (Galilei G6®, Ziemer, Switzerland) and a partial coherence interferometer, AL scan® (Nidek Co. Ltd., Japan) to measure the keratometry (K), astigmatism (AST), axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), central corneal thickness (CCT) and white-to-white (WTW) in cataractous eyes in a Cross-sectional study. Methods: 50 eyes of 50 consecutive patients scheduled for cataract surgery were included. Three consecutive scans were performed using the 4 biometers by a single operator. Within-subject standard deviation (Sw), test-retest repeatability and coefficient of variation for assessing repeatability were assessed. Bland-Altman plots for the agreement between the mean measurements of each machine were examined. Results: The mean age of patients was 60.2 ± 10.6 years. Dropouts for AL measurement were significantly higher in AL scan® and Galilei G6® compared to IOL Master® 700. There was good agreement between IOL Master® 700 and Lenstar LS 900® for AL and keratometry (P < 0.5). High variability was seen between the 4 machines for AST and WTW. Conclusion: The new SS-OCT biometer showed valid measurements, good repeatability and good agreement with the optical low coherence reflectometry biometer. The new long range SS-OCT biometer was better than the other three devices in acquiring AL measurements in denser cataracts due to better penetration.

Systematic Transition to Phaco-Chop.

Phaco surgeons initially train in a four quadrant divide and conquer technique. Subsequently, several surgeons transition to chopping techniques due to the perceived advantages of phaco-chop that include lower ultrasound energy and lesser zonular stress. Stop and chop has conventionally been the technique of choice for making this transition. However, the surgeon has to execute a full-fledged chop after the creation of two hemi-segments by the classical trenching and cracking skills already acquired in divide and conquer techniques. Here we describe a set of intermediate steps during four quadrant divide and conquer that breaks down the skills required for chopping and enables the surgeon to sequentially imbibe the required skill sets to make the transition to chop safer and smoother.