Phaco tip fracture in phacoemulsification surgery: A rare complication case report

We present a case of phaco tip fracture, a rare complication encountered during phacoemulsification surgery. A 75-year-old man with stage II nuclear sclerosis and stage II posterior subcapsular cataract underwent phacoemulsification surgery on his right eye. During the sculpting phase, a decrease in vacuum, failure to create a tunnel within the lens, and anterior chamber instability were observed. Subsequently, a fracture of the distal portion of the phaco tip was noted. The fractured fragment was recognized early and removed through the corneal inlet with forceps without enlarging the incision. The surgery was completed without complications with a new phaco tip. The patient had an uneventful recovery and achieved 20/25 vision at 1 month postoperatively. Phaco tip fracture is a rare complication. Early recognition and careful management can prevent serious complications. Intraoperative surgeon awareness and proper equipment control are critical in preventing such situations.