Using Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices with Smaller Incisions

Core MessagesUnderstanding the rheology of cataract surgery steps greatly facilitates micro incision surgery, whether coaxial or biaxial.Before using an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) in any situation, a clear idea of the method of removing it at the end of the case, is necessary.OVD techniques need only minor modification to accommodate microincision surgery. Awareness of the actual purpose of each OVD in a given situation is a critical factor.Generally speaking, smaller incisions seal better, making all OVD techniques more stable and easier to perform.While a single OVD may be excellent in uncomplicated routine cataract surgery, variations of soft shell and ultimate soft shell techniques make difficult cases much easier.It is never too early or too late in the cataract procedure to alter or correct an OVD strategy.