2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
11 Lens and Cataract
Chapter 8: Phacoemulsification for Cataract Extraction
This chapter includes related videos. Go to www.aao.org/bcscvideo_section11 or scan the QR codes in the text to access this content.
Highlights
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Two main types of aspiration pumps are used in phacoemulsification machines: flow pumps (eg, a peristaltic pump) and vacuum pumps (eg, a Venturi pump). Flow pumps allow the surgeon to directly control aspiration flow rate and set a vacuum limit. Vacuum pumps allow direct control of the vacuum level only.
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Phacoemulsification uses ultrasound energy to emulsify a lens. Modes such as pulse and burst allow for intermittent rather than continuous delivery of phacoemulsification power, thereby decreasing the total amount of energy required for cataract extraction.
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Femtosecond laser platforms provide an alternative technology to assist in cataract extraction.
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Studies demonstrate that more than 90% of eyes achieved a postoperative spherical equivalent within 1.00 diopters (D) of that predicted by preoperative biometry.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 11 - Lens and Cataract. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.