New Technique for Nuclear Emulsification in Cataract Operation
Narrative Responses:
Purpose
To report a new technique for nuclear emulsification in cataract extraction operations without the use of phacoemulsification power or with the use of minimal power.
Methods
Our new technique involves the injection of 0.9% saline followed by an organic material dissolved in balanced salt solution into the lens nucleus. This was employed on 6 lens nuclei ex vivo which were then examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. This technique will then be used in one eye of each of 6 living rabbits (would undergo cataract extraction) where the other eye will serve as the control eye (would undergo clear lens extraction). Clinical evaluation of the eyes as well as histopathological examination of the cornea, posterior lens capsule, iris and zonule will be performed postoperatively.
Results
Scanning and Transmission electron microscopy examination of the nuclei treated with the new technique ex vivo show fragmentation of the lens fibers and disintegration of the junctions between lens fibers. The results of the rabbits eyes will be presented in the meeting.
Conclusion
Preliminary results show that our new technique could be a novel method for nuclear emulsification in cataract extraction operations without the use of phacoemulsification power or laser energy.