AIM: To observe the clinical effect of stopping and chopping method with manual nucleus extraction in hard nucleus cataract, and also discuss the surgical skills.

METHODS: Totally 50 cases(50 eyes)of age-related cataract with above IV grade hard nucleus were randomly divided into two groups, 30 cases(30 eyes)were in observe group which was performed by stopping and chopping method combined with manual nucleus extraction and 20 cases(20 eyes)underwent phacoemulsification as control group, intraocular lenses implantation was performed in two groups. The processing time of nucleus, operative complications, postoperative visual acuity, the condition of corneal edema, intraocular pressure and corneal endothelial cells were observed.

RESULTS: The processing time of nucleus of observe group and control group was 60±10s, 90±15s, respectively(P<0.05). Operative complications of the observe group, which were the incidence of posterior capsular rupture, the reaction of corneal edema and the damage of corneal endothelial cells, was less than control group and no statistical significance(P<0.05). The difference of postoperative visual acuity and intraocular pressure was not obvious in two groups.

CONCLUSION: Stopping and chopping method combined with manual nucleus extraction in hard nucleus cataract has many virtues of security, faster visual recovery and less complications.It is one of the ideal treatment of age-related cataract with above IV grade hard nucleus.