Clinical experience with 21-gauge manual microphacoemulsification using Sovereign WhiteStar Technology in eyes with dense cataract.

OBJECTIVE

To present a series of patients who had 21-gauge microphacoemulsification using Sovereign WhiteStar technology.

METHODS

John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

METHODS

Eighteen consecutive patients with cataracts judged to be 3+ or 4+ on a 4-point scale were prospectively monitored for complications, energy used during phacoemulsification, and results 1 day and 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

No complications occurred during nucleus removal. On a 4-point scale, the mean level of inflammation at 1 day was 0.9 +/- 0.5 (SD), with 13 patients having no corneal edema. Seven patients had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better on the first postoperative day. At 3 months, all corneas were clear, there was no sign of anterior chamber inflammation, and all patients had a best corrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better (best-case analysis).

CONCLUSIONS

Results show that 21-gauge microphacoemulsification with Sovereign WhiteStar technology is safe and effective for removal of hard cataracts.