Dr. J. S. TITIYAL

, DR. MANPREET KAUR, DR. SRIDEVI NAIR

Abstract

Hydrodissection and nuclear rotation are avoided in posterior polar cataracts (PPC) which makes nuclear emulsification in these cases challenging. We demonstrate a modified trench and chop technique, the “Chop and Tumble Nucleotomy” as a safe and effective method for nuclear emulsification in PPC. Central chop is first performed to divide the nucleus, followed by the creation of 2 relatively large pie shaped segments on either side, which are tumbled towards the center and emulsified. Remaining nuclear segments are then tumbled towards the centre using the second instrument, chopped into smaller fragments and emulsified, without any rotational maneuvers. In PPC, where rotation of nucleus is often not possible, the technique allows the surgeon to successfully emulsify the nucleus within the intact epinuclear cushion that safeguards the weak posterior capsule. We performed this technique successfully in 58 consecutive cases of PPC with no case of posterior capsular dehiscence.