Removing residual cortical material during cataract surgery: Visco polishing and the grindstone effect as a new surgical technique

Purpose To describe a new technique for removing residual cortical material adjacent to posterior lens capsule during cataract surgery with the help of cohesive ophthalmic viscosurgical devices. Methods In this technique, if there are still cortical remnants and lens epithelial cells left after the routine irrigation-aspiration and polishing at the final steps of cataract surgery, the capsule is filled to about one-third with a highly viscous cohesive ophthalmic viscosurgical device. Rinsing is performed from the anterior chamber with the water jet directed tangentially to the ophthalmic viscosurgical device bolus and towards the posterior capsule, which creates a turbulence creating a "grindstone effect". The ophthalmic viscosurgical device bolus transforms into a ball and starts to rotate very quickly within the capsule, grinding away the cortical remnants. Results In the first series of 62 cases, there were no intra-operative or post-operative complications. At day 1 there was no corneal oedema and no hypertension of intraocular pressure. Visual outcomes were good with a mean best corrected distance visual acuity of -0.01 +/- 0.11 logMAR. Conclusion This technique appears to be effective and fast in removing persistent cortical remnants from the surface of the posterior capsule, while minimising risks such as capsule aspiration during irrigation/aspiration. There is limited pressure and mechanical force applied on the capsule; the anterior chamber and the corneal endothelium remain safe since the ophthalmic viscosurgical device stays inside the capsular bag to its high cohesiveness and molecular weight. More data on a larger cohort of patients is planned to confirm these results and evaluate long-term effects on posterior capsule opacification.