Comparison of energy required for phaco-chop and divide and conquer phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and usefulness of phaco-chop cataract extraction. SETTING: A university-associated, multispecialty ophthalmology practice. METHODS: Fifty-three patients in a university-associated ophthalmology practice had cataract extraction, 32 by the phaco-chop technique and 21 by four-quadrant divide and conquer phacoemulsification. Phacoemulsification energy and complication rates were compared. RESULTS: Mean phacoemulsification energy was significantly lower in the phaco-chop group (mean 782 J +/- 446 [SD]) than in the divide and conquer group (mean 3264 +/- 1218 J)(P < .00001). No complications occurred in either group. CONCLUSION: The phaco-chop technique provided safe, effective cataract extraction with significantly less energy than that required for divide and conquer phacoemulsification.