Stop and chop phacoemulsification.

We present a method for phacoemulsification within the capsular bag in which sculpting is performed to provide space for nuclear manipulation and then the posterior plate is cracked into two halves. The nuclear rim is chopped into bite-size pieces for removal using a modified lens hook that is buried in the nuclear periphery and pulled toward the center. The procedure begins as a routine nuclear cracking technique and then stops. It continues as a chop technique.