Microcoaxial torsional phaco method of choice

The vast majority of ophthalmologists are going to become convinced that 2.2 mm microcoaxial surgery with Ozil (Alcon) phaco must be the method of choice for both surgeons and patients said Dr Robert Osher.

Dr Osher, who is working with a new proprietary Ozil programme, told delegates that there is very little turbulence with the Ozil. "There is an enormous amount of efficiency and it is thermal protected. Not only is there additional thermal protection for the sleeve but, because of the slope of the tip, there's 20% less temperature in the incision."

Again, Dr Osher was discussing a proprietary tip that is due to become available shortly. "Normally I prefer a straight tip, but I've switched to this because the torsional technique needs some slope and it reduces temperatures."

He noted that there is no learning curve with microcoaxial phaco, however there is a learning curve for lens injection. "Once you learn the technique it is incredibly safe, effective and reliable," he said.

"It takes faith to get a lens through an un-enlarged 2.2 mm incision, but they offer stable chambers and reduction of turbulence that convinces me that this is the best operation available for my patients."

To prove his point, Dr Osher showed a video procedure of a patient with segmental iris dysgenesis. "There's no stroma, only pure pigment, which will be liberated in the chamber if there's any turbulence at all, and as you can see, there's no pigment liberated. What better demonstration of the gentleness of this procedure."