AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and security of lift and squeeze technique in phacoemulsification of hypermature cataract.

METHODS: From June 2010 to June 2013, totally 156 eyes with hypermature cataract, which received phacoemulsification in our hospital, were enrolled. Lift and squeeze technique was used to chop the nucleus, and 1g/L Trypan blue was used for capsulorhexis. Average time of phaco complication, corneal edema and visual outcome were recorded.

RESULTS: The best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA )was 0.1-0.4 in 15 eyes(9.6%), 0.5-0.7 in 82(52.6%)eyes, and 0.8-1.0 in 59(37.8%)eyes at 3mo after surgery. The phaco time was 25-56s(average 42±10s), the maximum phaco power was 30%. Posterior capsular rupture and vitreous loss happened in 2 eyes(1.3%), and the IOLs were implanted in the sulcus. Corneal edema classified at grade Ⅰ were seen in 12 eyes(7.7%), and 5 eyes(3.2%)at gradeⅡ, no eye at grade Ⅲ and grade Ⅳ. The mean endothelial cell loss was 8.7% at 3mo.

CONCLUSION: Crystalline lens capsule staining with Trypan blue increase the success rate of intact continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis(CCC). The lift and squeeze technique reduces the stress on the zonules and capsule, and decreases the phaco time and phaco power.