Microwash or macrowash technique to maintain a clear cornea during cataract surgery

We describe a technique of irrigating and thereby rapidly and effectively clearing the cornea of relatively large amounts of surface contaminants that reduce surgical visibility and may contribute to endophthalmitis. This technique is referred to as "macrowash " If the technique is required, it is usually at the commencement of cataract surgery, immediately after placement of the surgical drape. The technique not only saves time, but also reduces the volume of irrigating solution required by the "microwash" technique, which is traditionally carried out by the scrub nurse/surgical assistant using a Rycroft cannula attached to a 15 mL container of irrigating solution. Financial Disclosure: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. J Cataract Refract Surg 2010; 36.1453-1454 (C) 2010 ASCRS and ESCRS