Phacoemulsification during the learning curve

Objective To investigate the methods of learning phacoemulsification and assess the complications. Methods Prior learning included attending lectures (theoretical study) ,wet laboratories and assisting in operations. Under peribulbar anaesthesia,continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis(CCC) or can open capsulotomy ,hydrodissection or hydrodelineation,one or two hand nuclear phacoemulsification and IOL implantation were performed in first 96 consecutive cases (100 eyes). Results First and second half cases,CCC were performed successfully in 38% and 74%, of the cases respectively.The incidence of torn posterior capsule was 30% and 12%, respectively.The best postoperative corrected visual acuities were 0.5 in 53 eyes(53%). Conclusions With learning step by step, an appropriate training programme, careful case selection and accurate managing complications, phacoemulsification can be a safe procedure even during the learning curve. The successful transition to phacoemulsification will be completed.