AIM: To compare the two techniques of pre-chop and non-pre-chop, and discuss the technical advantages of the capsulorhexis forceps assisted pre-chop.

METHODS: Totally 149 cases of age-related cataract were randomly divided into using pre-chop(Group A)and non-pre-chop(Group B)techniques groups, for Group A patients received phacoemulsification after pre-chop by using capsulorhexis forceps. The ultrasonic energy, average phacoemulsification time, intraoperative complications, 1d, 1wk uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA)and 1d, 3d,1wk postoperative corneal edema were recorded and compared.

RESULTS: The subgroups of the same group of nuclei were compared in the two groups. The ultrasonic time in Group A was lower than that of Group B, and the difference was significant(P<0.01). Also the corneal edema in the former was lighter than that of the latter(P<0.05). There was difference in uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA)between groups(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Compared with non-pre-chop, the time of ultrasound in pre-chop group was shorter, the degree of corneal edema was lighter and early postoperative UCVA was better.