Clinical outcomes of the eight-chop technique in white cataract: a retrospective case series
Abstract
Background: White cataracts pose substantial technical challenges during phacoemulsification because preoperative assessment of nuclear hardness is impossible and the risk of intraoperative complications is increased. The Eight-chop technique was developed to mechanically fragment the lens nucleus into eight pieces prior to ultrasound emulsification, potentially reducing intraocular stress. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Eight-chop technique in eyes with white cataract and to compare surgical outcomes according to intraoperatively assessed nuclear hardness.
Methods: This retrospective, single-center, single-surgeon observational study included eyes with white cataract that underwent phacoemulsification using the Eight-chop technique between January 2010 and March 2025. White cataract was defined as complete lens opacification with an absent red reflex. Nuclear hardness was classified intraoperatively using the Emery classification. Intraoperative parameters included operative time, phacoemulsification time, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), aspiration time, and irrigation fluid volume. Postoperative outcomes included corneal endothelial cell density (CECD), endothelial morphology, intraocular pressure (IOP), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), evaluated preoperatively and at 7 and 19 weeks postoperatively. Outcomes were compared among nuclear hardness groups.
Results: Of 12,642 cataract surgeries performed during the study period, 105 eyes…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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