Oval instruments ease bimanual cataract surgery

Using oval choppers and needles during bimanual cataract surgery spares energy and maintains anterior chamber stability, according to Fernando Araujo-Gomes from the Clinica de Santo Antonio, Amadora, Portugal.

According to Dr Gomes, the advantage of oval-designed instruments is related to their ability to form a closed, energy-sparing, system thus minimising fluid loss and pressure.

A total of 750 consecutive cataracts, both soft and hard, underwent surgery using oval choppers and needles. Depending on the hardness of cataract, 20-gauge (1.4 mm opening) or 21-gauge (1.2 mm opening) were used.

All surgeries were straightforward, quick and effective and maintained good anterior chamber stability.

According to Dr Gomes, there is no need to avoid bimanual cataract surgery, particularly because there are no other types of surgery that will allow surgeons to create a 1.4 mm incision whilst employing a separate irrigation line, which he finds beneficial.