AN ADVANCED CATARACT SURGERY BY PHACOEMULSIFICATION: AN INITIAL EXPERIENCE.

Phacoemulsification surgery is rapidly emerging as accepted latest surgical technique for the management of cataract. Retrospective analysis of first fifty cases of phacoemulsification surgery performed in our setup were critically evaluated to assess efficacy and adaptability of this procedure in Armed Forces setup. Results of initial twenty five cases were compared qualitatively with subsequent cases. Equipment settings, operative constraints, post-operative complications, effects on induced astigmatism, visual outcome and patient's rehabilitation were critically evaluated. Corneal striate, iris chaffing, posterior capsular rent were noted initial problems. Induced astigmatism was ranging between 0.5 to 1.0 Dioptre with early decay and complete stabilisation within four weeks. Inspite of excellent visual outcome, complex technique, steep and long learning curve restricts its application to institutional setup.