Corneal tomography and biomechanics in primary pterygium.

PURPOSE: To study the Scheimpflug's imaging and corneal biomechanics in primary pterygium. METHODS: A prospective observational study of 55 patients with unilateral primary nasal pterygium was done. The normal fellow eyes of patients with pterygium were taken as controls. Clinical parameters noted included visual acuity, values of corneal curvature by doing Scheimpflug imaging, wavefront aberrations in terms of higher and lower-order aberrations and corneal hysteresis (CH) as well as corneal resistance factor (CRF) values by using ocular response analyzer. RESULTS: Of the total 55 patients, mean age was 43.0 + 11.4 years (range: 20-72 years). Mean LogMar uncorrected visual acuity in pterygium eyes and control eyes was 0.21 + 0.20 and 0.12 + 0.15, respectively (p = 0.016). On Scheimpflug imaging the mean anterior corneal curvature values (Ka1/Ka2 D) were 41.09 + 3.38/44.33 + 2.29 in pterygium eyes, 43.13 + 1.79/43.98 + 2.17 in control eyes (p < 0.0005) and mean posterior corneal curvature (Kp1/Kp2 D) values were 6.14 + 0.39/6.53 + 0.43 in pterygium eyes and 6.13 + 0.28/6.46 + 0.47 in control eyes (p > 0.05). Analysis of corneal aberrations showed significantly higher corneal wavefront aberrations in pterygium eyes. Highest correlation of corneal astigmatism was noted with corneal area encroached by pterygium (ρ = 0.540 for LOA and 0.553 for HOA) and distance from pupillary center (ρ = 0.531 for LOA and 0.564 for HOA). Corneal biomechanical parameters including CH and CRF were found to be lower in the pterygium eyes, though not statistically significant (p value 0.60 and 0.59, respectively). CONCLUSION: Pterygium leads to deterioration of visual performance not only by causing refractive and topographic changes but also by causing a significant increase in corneal wavefront aberrations.

Laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis and effects on quality of life: a retrospective study using the short form EHP-5 endometriosis specific questionnaire.

Complete surgical eradication is considered the mainstay of treatment for endometriosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate patients' own assessment of whether their laparoscopic treatment made a difference to their quality of life, as well as to assess local recurrence rates. We performed a retrospective analysis of 49 women who had laparoscopic treatment for endometriosis at our unit between 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2010. Patients were sent the Short Form EHP-5 questionnaire and asked to score their quality of life in relation to endometriosis symptoms, prior to the surgery and up to 48 months afterwards. Subgroup analysis of stage I/II and stage III/IV disease was performed as well as stratification of the period post-operation into 12-24, 25-36 and 37-48 months for follow-up analysis. Overall, the patients reported improvement in quality of life scores with a significant drop in mean scores from 46.9 pre- to 27.5 post-surgery, signifying benefits from the surgical intervention. All subgroups reported improvement in quality of life scores. The overall symptom recurrence rate was 18.3%. We conclude that patients, post-laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis, experience significant improvement in their quality of life, regardless of stage and this can be quantified and qualified.

Simulation for Teaching on Racial Microaggressions and Bystander Intervention - A Theory-Based Guide for Health Profession Education.

Microaggressions are words or behaviour that "subtly and unconsciously express a prejudiced attitude", and racial microaggressions express these attitudes towards people from racial minority groups. The "Bystander Effect" is when the presence of other people means that an individual is less likely to offer assistance or get involved in a situation - bystander intervention training aims to inform about the best ways to avoid this, equipping students with the necessary strategies. In health profession education, teaching on microaggressions and bystander intervention can be done with the use of simulation. Simulated patients (SPs) and environments would be the most appropriate modality of simulation to use, as roleplay would be central. This guide focuses on how to use simulation for teaching on racial microaggressions and bystander training for healthcare students including tips on preparing the students and SPs, planning for the implementation of the simulation training, setting ground rules, showing different scenarios, checking student understanding throughout, using debriefs and course evaluation feedback, and signposting students to available support afterwards. These are topics which are particularly relevant because there have been calls in recent years for healthcare education to be more inclusive and representative of current issues, as the COVID-19 pandemic and resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement have highlighted curriculum gaps. So teaching students about this early is a good start, and simulation is an effective teaching method to help with this.

Diabetes Type 4: A Paradigm Shift in the Understanding of Glaucoma, the Brain Specific Diabetes and the Candidature of Insulin as a Therapeutic Agent.

In the present analysis, we aim at probing into many important mechanisms that serve to bridge conceptual gaps to fill up the mosaic of a picture revealing that glaucoma indeed is brain specific diabetes and more appropriately "Diabetes Type 4". Based on this conceptual substance, we weave a novel idea of insulin being a potential remedy for glaucoma. This analysis synthesizes upon the published literature on brain changes in glaucoma, possibility of isolated brain diabetes, insulin signaling glitches in glaucoma pathology, mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance in glaucomatous eyes, insulin mediated regulation of intraocular pressure and its dysregulation in mitochondrial dysfunction. We also look into the role of amyloidopathy and taupathy in glaucoma pathogenesis vis-à-vis insulin signaling. At every step, the discussion reveals that insulin and other allied moieties are a sure promise for glaucoma treatment and management. In this article, we aim at synthesizing a persuasive and all inclusive picture of glaucoma etiopathomechanism centered on "insulin-hypofunctionality" in the central nervous system (i.e. brain specific diabetes). We start with considering the possibility of neurodegenerative diabetes that exists independent of the peripheral diabetes. Once that condition is met, then a metabolic conglomeration of this brain specific diabetes is deliberated upon leading us to understand the development of retinal ganglion cell apoptosis, intraocular pressure elevation, optic cupping and mitochondrial dysfunction. All these are the hallmarks and sufficient conditions to satisfy the diagnostic criteria for glaucoma. Immediate application of this analysis points towards glaucoma therapy centered upon improving what we have termed insulin-hypofunctionality.

Narrowing of the anterior chamber angle during Valsalva maneuver: a possible mechanism for angle closure.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes at the anterior chamber angle during Valsalva maneuver in eyes suspected to have a primary adult glaucoma. METHODS: Seventy-six consecutive patients underwent recording of applanation tonometry, measurement of the anterior chamber angle recess, angle opening distance, angle recess area, scleral spur-iris root distance, iris thickness, iridociliary angle, ciliary body thickness, anterior chamber depth, and pupil size on ultrasound biomicroscopy before and during the Valsalva maneuver. The Valsalva maneuver was standardized to a pressure of 40 mmHg for 15 seconds, using a manometer. RESULTS: The mean baseline intraocular pressure changed from 19.5+/-4.1 mmHg to 29.5+/-4.8 mmHg during Valsalva (p<0.0001). The anterior chamber angle recess narrowed from 17.9+/-9.5 to 7.8+/-9.2 degrees (p=0.0001). The angle recess area diminished from 0.15+/-0.14 mm2 to 0.14+/-0.12 mm2 (p=0.03) and the scleral spur to iris distance decreased from 0.19+/-0.2 mm to 0.16+/-0.18 mm (p=0.0001). The iridociliary angle narrowed from 72.6+/-33.5 degrees to 62.5+/-32.8 degrees (p=0.04). There was a significant increase in the thickness of the ciliary body, from 0.99+/-0.19 mm to 1.12+/-0.16 mm (p=0.001) and in iris thickness from 0.47+/-0.07 mm to 0.55+/-0.09 mm (p=0.0001). There was no significant change in the angle opening distance, anterior chamber depth, or pupillary diameter. A significant narrowing of the angle to less than 5 degrees was seen in 37 eyes, with iridocorneal apposition present in 28 eyes. After multivariate regression analysis it was found that the baseline ciliary body thickness and angle recess were significant predictors of narrowing of the angle (R2=96.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Significant elevation of the intraocular pressure, narrowing of the anterior chamber angle recess, thickening of the ciliary body, and increase in the iris thickness is seen during the Valsalva maneuver. The Valsalva maneuver may lead to angle closure in eyes anatomically predisposed to primary angle closure glaucoma.

Topical cyclosporine to control ocular surface disease in patients with chronic glaucoma after long-term usage of topical ocular hypotensive medications.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in ocular surface and central corneal sub-basal nerve fiber layer (SBNFL) after topical cyclosporin therapy in chronic glaucoma patients on long-term topical antiglaucoma therapy. METHODS: A prospective comparative study of ocular surface evaluation of chronic glaucoma patients on long-term topical therapy treated concurrently with a topical cyclosporine 0.05% twice daily for 6 months and controls was done. The study parameters evaluated at recruitment and at the 6-month follow-up included details of topical antiglaucoma medications, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, ocular surface evaluation parameters (TBUT, Schirmers I, ocular surface staining scores and ocular surface disease (OSD) index score (OSDI)), central corneal sensation (Cochet Bonnett aesthesiometer), and central confocal microscopy to study the SBNFL density (SBNFLD). RESULTS: Thirty-two eyes of 16 patients with chronic glaucoma and 30 eyes of 15 normal subjects as controls were studied. Mean TBUT, pre/post CsA treatment was 8.67±3.01/12.24±1.83 s (P=0.007). Mean conjunctival/corneal staining scores pre/post CsA treatment were 3.38±1.93/1.50±0.718 (P=0.00) /5.19±1.82/1.81±0.78 (P=0.098), respectively. Mean OSDI pre/post CsA treatment scores were 30.63±14.61/14.76±6.06 (P=0.007). Mean corneal sensations scores pre/post CsA treatment were 4.64±0.46/4.94±0.39 (P=0.002). Central corneal SBNFLD pre and post CsA treatment was 8811.35±2985.29/10335.13±4092.064 µm/mm(2) (P=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Schirmer's test, ocular surface staining scores, OSDI, corneal sensations, and corneal SBNFLD showed a statistically significant improvement following a 6-month concurrent topical CsA therapy.

Management of posterior capsule tears.

Any breach in the continuity of the posterior capsule is defined as a posterior capsule tear. Posterior capsule tears can be preexisting (congenital or traumatic), spontaneous, or intrasurgical. Preexisting/congenital posterior capsule tears have been related to an intrauterine insult. Posterior capsule tears due to trauma may occur as a consequence of direct mechanical impact due to perforation or blunt injury. Depending on the duration of time between the posterior capsular trauma and the cataract surgery, these posterior capsule tears can have different features. Intrasurgical posterior capsule tears are the most common and can occur during any stage of cataract surgery. Also, they may be planned in the form of primary posterior capsulorhexis. The conventional management consists of prevention of mixture of cortical matter with vitreous, dry aspiration, and anterior vitrectomy, if required. In addition, during phacoemulsification low flow rate, high vacuum, and low ultrasound are advocated if a posterior capsule tear occurs. Dislocated nucleus or nuclear fragments require vitrectomy and the use of perfluorocarbon liquids. In the presence of a posterior capsule tear, the IOL can be placed in the sulcus, if the capsular rim is available, or in the bag, if the tear is small. Scleral fixated posterior chamber lenses and anterior chamber IOLs can be implanted when the posterior capsule tear is large.

Microkeratome-induced reduction of astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To report the reduction in postpenetrating keratoplasty astigmatism with the use of the microkeratome to create a lamellar corneal flap as the first stage in a two-step laser in situ keratomileusis. METHODS: The hansatome microkeratome was used to create a lamellar corneal flap in a 24-year-old man with a net corneal astigmatism of 7.3 diopters, 2 years after penetrating keratoplasty. No laser ablation was performed. RESULTS: The net corneal astigmatism reduced to 3.9 diopters at 1 month and 2.3 diopters at 3 months of follow-up, without any laser ablation. CONCLUSION: Laser in situ keratomileusis may be performed as a two-stage procedure, because the lamellar corneal flap alone may reduce postpenetrating keratoplasty astigmatism.

Polymicrobial keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To report a case of polymicrobial infectious keratitis in one eye of a patient who had undergone bilateral simultaneous laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: A 21-year-old healthy female developed infectious keratitis in her right eye after bilateral LASIK surgery. Material obtained from the infective foci was sent for bacterial and fungal cultures and herpes simplex virus antigen detection, and broad spectrum antimicrobial therapy was instituted. RESULTS: Staphylococcus epidermidis and Fusarium solani were detected on culture and herpes simplex virus antigen was found to be positive. The patient did not respond to medical therapy and subsequently the ulcer perforated. A therapeutic keratoplasty was performed and the final best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40, 1 month after keratoplasty. CONCLUSION: Polymicrobial infectious keratitis, although rare, is a potential sight-threatening complication of LASIK.

Endogenous cortisol profile in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy.

AIM: To study the endogenous cortisol levels in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). METHODS: Endogenous cortisol levels in urine and plasma were determined in 30 patients with acute CSCR and compared with 30 age and sex matched controls. RESULTS: The mean values of the 8 am plasma cortisol (29.97 micrograms/dl v 18.76 micrograms/dl), 11 pm plasma cortisol (22.03 micrograms/dl v 13.06 micrograms/dl), and 24 hour urine cortisol (11.01 mg/24 h v 7.39 mg/24 h) revealed significantly higher values in the patient group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Increased levels of endogenous cortisol are present in patients with CSCR.

Role of argon laser trabeculoplasty as primary and secondary therapy in open angle glaucoma in Indian patients.

AIMS: To study the efficacy of argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) as a primary and secondary therapy in Indian patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: ALT was performed as a primary therapy in 40 eyes of 21 patients newly diagnosed with POAG (group I) and as a secondary therapy in 39 eyes of 21 patients who had been taking topical antiglaucoma medications for more than 1 year. The best corrected visual acuity, baseline intraocular pressure (IOP), diurnal variation of IOP, anterior chamber angles, and visual fields were the various parameters evaluated before and after performing ALT. Follow up visits were scheduled at 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the surgery. The patients were recalled at the end of 5 years for the final follow up examination. Success of ALT was defined as IOP

LASIK after retinal detachment surgery.

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for correction of myopic refractive errors in eyes which have previously undergone retinal detachment surgery. METHODS: In a prospective, non-comparative case series, 10 eyes of nine patients who had a myopic refractive error and had previously undergone retinal detachment surgery underwent LASIK surgery according to the standard surgical protocol. The surgery could be completed in eight eyes and in two eyes it was aborted intraoperatively. The parameters evaluated included the uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity, refraction, detailed fundus evaluation with indirect ophthalmoscope, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and corneal pachymetry. Any intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded. Follow up visits were scheduled at day 1, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after LASIK. RESULTS: Eight eyes underwent successful LASIK surgery. The mean spherical equivalent before surgery was -5.436 (SD 1.6) dioptres (D), which was reduced to +0.42 (0.65) D, -0.07 (1.32) D, -0.06 (1.39) D, and -0.06 (0.65) at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months respectively after LASIK. The uncorrected visual acuity improved in all the eyes and the best corrected visual acuity improved or remained same in all the eyes. There was no retinal complication after LASIK. CONCLUSION: LASIK may be used to correct refractive errors in eyes that have undergone retinal detachment surgery. However, scarred conjunctiva in such cases may prevent generation of optimal suction for the microkeratome.

Risk factors for graft infection in India: a case-control study.

AIM: To study the demographic, clinical, and microbiological profile and the risk factors for graft infection following penetrating keratoplasty. METHODS: 50 eyes of 50 consecutive patients with graft infection after an optical penetrating keratoplasty were included as cases; 50 eyes of 50 patients with no graft infection were included as controls. The main variables evaluated in this study included the clinical and microbiological profile, sociodemographic status, suture related problems, persistent epithelial defects, and ocular surface disorders. RESULTS: Cultures were positive in 43 (86%) eyes and Staphylococcus epidermidis (67.4%) was the most common organism isolated. Infection could be resolved with treatment in 37 (74%) eyes. In eight (16%) eyes the graft melted and a repeat penetrating keratoplasty had to be performed. Only 6% of the cases could achieve a best corrected visual acuity of 6/18 or better after resolution of the infection. In multivariate logistic regression analysis persistent epithelial defect (OR (95% CI): 3.0 (1.17 to 8.33)), suture related problems (OR (95% CI): 3.6 (1.39 to 9.25)), and ocular surface disorders (OR (95% CI): 2.4 (0.93 to 6.03)) were found to be statistically significant risk factors for graft infection following an optical penetrating keratoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Staphylococcus epidermidis is the commonest organism responsible for post-keratoplasty microbial keratitis. Persistent epithelial defects, suture related problems, and ocular surface disorders are the major risk factors predisposing to graft infection.

Modified phacoemulsification in situ.

We describe a phacoemulsification technique for cataracts in eyes with anticipated weak zonular apparatus. After central sculpting, a crater 90% deep is made. A horizontal fracture is created with the phaco probe and chopper. The nucleus is chopped, dividing the inferior hemisection into 2 pie-shaped pieces, which are then emulsified. Without rotating the nucleus, a groove is made at the superior hemisection and a vertical fracture created with the chopper. The bevel of the phaco probe is then turned down to emulsify each quadrant separately. This technique is especially useful in eyes with weakened zonular apparatus such as those with hypermature cataract, uveitis, long-standing glaucoma, trauma, retinitis pigmentosa, and operated retinal detachments.

Conversion from phacoemulsification to extracapsular cataract extraction: incidence, risk factors, and visual outcome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and visual outcome in cases converted from phacoemulsification to routine extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE). SETTING: Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 540 eyes that had clear corneal phacoemulsification performed by an experienced phacoemulsification surgeon. The cases in which phacoemulsification was initiated and then converted to ECCE were studied. The main parameters evaluated were the factors responsible for the conversion, corneal endothelial cell loss, and visual outcome. RESULTS: Twenty eyes (3.7%) required conversion to ECCE during phacoemulsification. Pupillary miosis (6 cases), posterior capsule rupture (5 cases), prolonged phaco time (4 cases), posterior extension of the capsulorhexis (2 cases), corneal thermal burn (1 case), subluxation of the lens (1 case), and malfunctioning of the ultrasonic handpiece (1 case) were the reasons for the conversion. The mean percentage of endothelial cell loss was 11.06% +/- 2.3 (SD); 18 cases (90.0%) achieved a visual acuity of 20/40 or better at 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative pupillary miosis, posterior capsule rupture, and very hard nuclear cataract causing prolonged phacoemulsification were the major risk factors for conversion to ECCE. Optimal preoperative preparation and prompt recognition of complications during phacoemulsification can lead to timely conversion to ECCE to achieve a good visual outcome.

Pneumococcal keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis.

A 20-year-old man developed keratitis in his right eye 2 days after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). The patient had rubbed the eye with unclean fingers the night before the onset of symptoms. Examination showed an inferior corneal ulcer with dense infiltration at the junction of the lamellar flap and the surrounding cornea associated with a hypopyon. Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated on culture. The ulcer resolved with combination therapy of cephazolin 5% and tobramycin 1.3% eyedrops. Patients having LASIK should be instructed that inadequate patient hygiene may predispose to bacterial keratitis.

Bimanual Sinskey hook technique to enlarge a preexisting capsulorhexis.

We describe a technique of enlarging a small primary capsulorhexis. Two Sinskey hooks are introduced through the side ports. One hook is placed above the anterior capsulorhexis margin with its tip pointing down, and the other is placed beneath the anterior capsulorhexis margin with its tip pointing up. A small nick is made between the tips of the 2 hooks, and the capsulorhexis is extended with a Utrata capsulorhexis forceps. This technique does not require additional instrumentation, impart zonular stress, or disturb wound architecture or integrity.

Phacoemulsification of white hypermature cataract.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety of phacoemulsification of white hypermature cataract, which is common in developing countries. SETTING: Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. METHODS: In a teaching hospital setting, a prospective evaluation of phacoemulsification in 25 eyes of 25 consecutive patients with hypermature cataract was done. Patients with good pupil dilation, optimal endothelial cell count, and disease-free ocular and systemic status were included. High magnification, sodium hyaluronate, and a Utrata capsulorhexis forceps were used to perform continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC). The stop and chop technique was used for nuclear emulsification. A 5.5 mm optic allpoly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted, and wound closure was sutureless. RESULTS: Successful CCC was performed in 23 of 25 cases. In 2 cases, the CCC edge extended toward the periphery and a Vannas scissors was used to achieve an even cut. No complications were seen during nuclear emulsification and IOL implantation. Eighty percent of the patients had a visual acuity of 20/40 or better on the first postoperative day. Five patients had significant corneal edema that resolved within 1 week in all cases. CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification was successfully and safely performed in appropriately selected patients with white hypermature cataract.

Complications of pediatric cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: To study the pattern of postoperative complications following extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in pediatric eyes. SETTING: Tertiary eye care center, New Delhi, India. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 39 eyes of 28 children referred for complications after ECCE with IOL implantation was performed. The results evaluated were visual acuity, iridocapsular problems, and IOL-related complications. Additional interventions such as neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy, surgical membranectomy, and penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) were done when necessary. Visual acuity was measured 1 week following intervention and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Congenital (17 eyes, 43.6%), developmental (11 eyes, 28.2%), and traumatic (11 eyes, 28.2%) cataract were the indications for surgery. Posterior capsule opacification (34 eyes, 87.2%), updrawn pupil (15 eyes, 38.5%), decentered IOL (13 eyes, 33.3%), and pupillary capture (12 eyes, 30.8%) were the major complications. An Nd:YAG capsulotomy was attempted in 19 eyes (48.7%). Surgical membranectomy was performed in 10 eyes (25.6%); PKP was performed in 2 eyes (5.1%) to treat pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. One eye had to be eviscerated because of uncontrolled endophthalmitis. In 31 eyes in which visual acuity could be measured, 27 had an acuity of 6/60 or worse at the time of presentation. Following intervention and amblyopia therapy, 19 eyes achieved a visual acuity of 6/18 or better. CONCLUSION: Routine ECCE with IOL implantation in pediatric eyes is associated with various problems and may lead to permanent visual disability.

Phaco-chop versus stop-and-chop nucleotomy for phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: To perform a comparative evaluation of phaco-chop versus stop-and-chop nucleotomy techniques of phacoemulsification. SETTING: Dr. Rajendra Prasad Center for Ophthalmic Sciences, New Delhi, India. METHODS: Forty eyes of 40 patients with immature senile cataract were included in the study. Twenty eyes each were randomly assigned to have phaco-chop (Group 1) or stop-and-chop (Group 2) nucleotomy during phacoemulsification. The main parameters were corneal endothelial count, effective phaco time, volume of infusion fluid used, central corneal pachymetry, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and intraoperative complications during nucleotomy. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 1, 4, and 12 weeks. RESULTS: The mean effective phaco time was 27 seconds +/- 18 (SD) in Group 1 and 28 +/- 16 seconds in Group 2. The mean corneal endothelial cell loss was 6.89% and 7.17%, respectively, at the end of 12 weeks. The difference between groups was not significant. An anterior capsule tear occurred in 3 eyes in Group 1 and 1 eye in Group 2. All eyes achieved a BCVA of 20/20 at the end of 4 weeks. There were no significant between-group differences in any intraoperative or postoperative parameter. CONCLUSIONS: The phaco-chop and the stop-and-chop nucleotomy techniques were equally efficacious for nuclear management during phacoemulsification.