Efficacy and Safety of the Eight-Chop Technique in Phacoemulsification for White Cataract

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the eight-chop technique in phacoemulsification for white cataracts. Methods: The lens capsule was stained with brilliant blue G (BBG) and nucleus was cracked using the Eight-chopper. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal endothelial cell density (CECD), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were evaluated. The primary outcome measures were the mean operative time, mean phaco time, aspiration time, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), and volume of fluid used. Results: The lens capsule visualization was sufficient with BBG. The mean (standard deviation, SD) operative time was 11.40 ± 4.42 minutes. The mean (SD) phaco time was 31.4 ± 15.3 seconds. The corresponding values for aspiration time, CDE, and volume of fluid used were 2.50 ± 0.72 minutes, 12.12 ± 7.07, and 61.9 ± 15.8 mL, respectively. The BCVA improved significantly (p<0.01). The CECD decreased by 5.5% at 7 weeks and 3.7% at 19 weeks postoperatively. The rate of IOP reduction was 7.3% at 7 weeks and 9.5% at 19 weeks postoperatively. Conclusions: The eight-chop technique is safe and effective in phacoemulsification and may reduce postoperative CECD loss and lower IOP in eyes with white cataracts. BBG staining may be safe for corneal endothelial cells.