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Review
. 2023 Jan 1;34(1):32-35.
doi: 10.1097/ICU.0000000000000916. Epub 2022 Oct 20.

Chopping techniques in cataract surgery

Bryan S Lee  1 , David F Chang  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Chopping techniques in cataract surgery

Bryan S Lee et al. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: To explain reasons for phaco chop, outline strategies for transitioning to chop, and summarize recent articles discussing chopping techniques.

Recent findings: New variations of phaco chop may help with managing dense cataracts. Studies generally continue to show similar phaco time between traditional manual chopping and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. A nitinol ring prechopper compresses the lens similarly to horizontal chopping, which may reduce phaco energy for certain cases.

Summary: Both vertical and horizontal chopping continue to demonstrate multiple advantages over other nucleus disassembly techniques.

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References

    1. Chang DF. Converting to phaco chop: why and how. Ophthalmic Pract 1999; 17:202–210.
    1. Wong T, Hingorani M, Lee V. Phacoemulsification time and power requirements in phaco chop and divide and conquer nucleofractis techniques. J Cataract Refract Surg 2000; 26:1374–1378.
    1. DeBry P, Olson RJ, Crandall AS. Comparison of energy required for phaco-chop and divide and conquer phacoemulsification. J Cataract Refract Surg 1998; 24:689–692.
    1. Koch PS, Katzen LE. Stop and chop phacoemulsification. J Cataract Refract Surg 1994; 20:566–570.
    1. Prasad R, Badhani A, Dogra GB. Terminal chop: new technique for full thickness nuclear segmentation in mature hard cataract. Indian J Ophthalmol 2017; 65:1415–1418.