Phacoemulsification without hydrodissection: Semi-crater and split technique.

UNLABELLED: We present a semi-crater sculpting and split technique for simple nucleus removal and hydrodissection-free phacoemulsification. In this technique, the crater sculpting is done in half the nucleus only and emulsified before nucleus rotation. The remaining half of the nucleus is freed from the capsule and then rotated to the opposite side of the phaco tip and emulsified. This technique can be easily performed without hydrodissection because emulsifying half the nucleus creates a free space. It was used in 19 198 eyes between 2000 and 2013 and enabled stable phacoemulsification, regardless of the surgeon's experience. The technique prevents hydrodissection-related complications, such as posterior capsule rupture caused by high intraocular pressure changes, and reduces the stress on the zonule during nucleus rotation. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Neither author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.