title: A modified-simple technique of removing the lens cortex during cataract surgery.
abstract: We describe here a surgical technique of removing the remaining cortex after phacoemulsification without performing the conventional irrigation/aspiration (I/A) procedure. In this technique, the remaining cortex attached to the posterior capsule was separated and dissected into several pieces by continuous irrigation with balanced salt solution, which was supplied through a syringe attached to a bent, blunt-tip needle. Approximately, 10 s of manual irrigation separated most of the remaining cortex from the posterior capsule. Then, the capsular bag was inflated with an ophthalmic viscoelastic device (OVD), and this pushed the separated cortex toward the capsular fornix mechanically. An intraocular lens was inserted into the capsular bag, following which the remaining cortex and OVD were removed concomitantly using an automated I/A handpiece. This technique is a simple and easy maneuver to remove the cortex from all areas, including the subincisional area, and reduce the possibility of a posterior capsule tear.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Mok-dong Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Kyung Eun
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Han
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon, South Korea.
authors.forename: Se Hoon
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Han
authors.affiliation: Moonsan Jaeil Eye Center, Paju, South Korea.
authors.forename: Dongkwon
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon, South Korea.
authors.forename: Min Chul
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Shin
mesh_terms: D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007904:Lens Cortex, Crystalline / Q000601:surgery*; D013396:Suction / Q000379:methods; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods