Hard cataract. For hard cataracts, I use vertical chopping and perform all chopping in the traditional, longitudinal phaco mode prior to mobilizing the segments. Therefore, the tunnel is not widened as it is buried. Then I change parameters for segment mobilization to include torsional or transversal phaco. ALESSANDRO FRANCHINI, MD Soft cataract. Removing very soft nuclei and cracking the lens into small fragments can be harder than it would seem during either divide-and-conquer or chop techniques. Especially for surgeons in training, it can be difficult to separate the two epinuclei or the four nuclear quadrants after sculpting. The nuclear fragment substance can be gummy, and manipulators or choppers can easily penetrate the substance without applying the necessary strength to separate it. In these cases, it may be useful to deepen the groove as much as possible; however, this maneuver risks a posterior capsular break, especially in the hands of a young surgeon. If the division does not appear in the middle of the nucleus, and two different-sized fragments result, one should refracture the larger piece.
Hard cataract. For hard cataracts, I use vertical chopping and perform all chopping in the traditional, longitudinal phaco mode prior to mobilizing the segments. Therefore, the tunnel is not widened as it is buried. Then I change parameters for segment mobilization to include torsional or transversal phaco. ALESSANDRO FRANCHINI, MD Soft cataract. Removing very soft nuclei and cracking the lens into small fragments can be harder than it would seem during either divide-and-conquer or chop techniques. Especially for surgeons in training, it can be difficult to separate the two epinuclei or the four nuclear quadrants after sculpting. The nuclear fragment substance can be gummy, and manipulators or choppers can easily penetrate the substance without applying the necessary strength to separate it. In these cases, it may be useful to deepen the groove as much as possible; however, this maneuver risks a posterior capsular break, especially in the hands of a young surgeon. If the division does not appear in the middle of the nucleus, and two different-sized fragments result, one should refracture the larger piece.
your technique is correct Kristina