Phacoemulsification in developing countries - do we need it?

Phacoemulsification is now considered the preferredmethod for cataract removal in developing countries. The procedure, although having many benefits, is still very costly and the benefits certainly do not outweigh the cost. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that planned Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE) should still be the technique of choice in developing countries because of its low cost and phacoemulsification should be reserved for those who can afford it. The advantages and disadvantages of both phacoemulsification and ECCE will be discussed.(Au)