Endocapsular phacoemulsification following buttonhole anterior capsulotomy: a preliminary report.

New techniques for anterior capsulotomy and phacoemulsification in endocapsular cataract surgery are introduced. Microcircular capsulotomy using a micropunch at both ends of a linear capsular opening prevents enlargement by tearing because of a reduction of stress concentration in the region. An ultrasound-operated irrigation/aspiration tip made of titanium facilitates the removal of the remaining nuclear disc after removal of the hard nuclear core, thus reducing the risk of posterior capsular rupture during phacoemulsification. Our technique may improve the prospect of endocapsular procedures.