Improvement of capculorhexis in phacoemulsification for patients with white cataract

Objective To find a proper way of capculorhexis in phacoemulsification for patients with white cataract. Methods Phacoemulsification was performed in 212 eyes with white cataract using an improved capculorhexis technique between March 2007 and September 2008. First a directly cut was made on the anterior capsule about 2mm length using 3.2mm stab knife through superior transparent cornea. Then viscoelastic was injected to fill anterior chamber. Cutting one side of the anterior capsule already been opened in an obtuse angle with scissors and the continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) was finished. The other side may be used if necessary. Results In the 212 eyes with white cataract, CCC were successfully finished in 203 cases (95.8%). Conclusions For white cataract in phacoemulsification, CCC can be achieved on the whole with the improved capsulorhexis technique. The inconvenience and complications associated with the incompleted anterior capsule are reduced in surgery. The improved capsulorhexis technique is a safe, easy, effective and feasible method. And it is easy to handle and extend. Key words: Phacoemulsification;  White cataract;  Continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis