Ophthalmic viscosurgical device–assisted sutureless-incision cataract surgery for a hard nucleus or mature cataract

We describe a modified method of sutureless-incision cataract surgery using an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) to extract a hard lenticular nucleus or mature cataract. After an isosceles trapezoid-shaped sclerocorneal tunnel and a round 7.0 mm diameter capsulorhexis are made, the nucleus is displaced into the anterior chamber. As OVD is injected, the OVD cannula acts as a slide to guide the nucleus out of the eye. Ophthalmic viscosurgical device–assisted sutureless-incision cataract surgery was used in a consecutive series of 182 eyes with a hard nucleus (57 eyes), mature cataract (47 eyes), or both (78 eyes). No posterior capsule rupture or vitreous loss occurred during surgery and no wound leakage or hypotony occurred postoperatively. The uncorrected visual acuity improved to 20/60 or better in 122 eyes (67%) on the first postoperative day. Ophthalmic viscosurgical device–assisted sutureless-incision cataract surgery, usually without additional instruments or sutures, offers an effective and uncomplicated technique for managing a brunescent or mature cataract. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.