Time parameters in continuous versus pulsed ultrasound phacoemulsification: a comparative study

ABSTRACT

To compare the effective phaco time, nuclear removal time as well as total surgery time when using continuous versus pulsed ultrasound in cataract removal by phacoemulsification. A non randomized comparative study that included 106 eye of 106 patients who suffered from vision impairing cataract and were scheduled for cataract removal by coaxial phacoemulsification. Patients were subdivided into two groups; Group A [55 eyes] in which continuous mode was used and group B [51 eyes] in which the pulsed mode was used. Both were further subdivided into 5 subgroups according to LOGS III nuclear grading system. All patients had standard phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups as regards the nuclear removal time and the total surgery time. Effective phacoemulsification time [EPT] showed statistically significant difference between both groups in cases of cataract with nucleus grade 5 [p value -0.000]. It is advisable to use the pulse mode in cases of hard nuclei. These methods of power modulation aim at reduction of energy production with corneal protection and better visual outcome: