AIM:To compare the intraoperative performance and postoperative outcomes after microcoaxial torsional phacoemulsification using the straight and the curved phacotip configurations.

METHODS:Cataracts were treated using 2.2mm microcoaxial transversal phacoemulsification with either a 30°straight or 30° curved phaco tip. Intraoperative measurements analyzed included the average ultrasound(U/S)power, the total phacoemulsification time, and the effective phacoemulsification time(EPT). The central endothelial cell density(ECD)and the central corneal thickness(CCT)were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 7 and 30d after surgery using noncontact specular microscopy.

RESULTS:The study enrolled a total of 190 eyes(190 patients), 95 eyes in the curved tip group and 95 eyes in straight tip group. Intraoperative measurements showed significantly reduced total phacoemulsification time, and EPT in the curved-tip group, compared to the straight-tip group(P<0.05). The median total phacoemulsification time and the EPT were 25.9(13.5-45.0)s(1^st-3^rd quartiles)and 18.0(9.0-30.0)s in curved-tip group, and 38.8(16.5-73.5)s and 26.0(11.0-49.0)s in the straight-tip group, respectively.

CONCLUSION:Transversal phacoemulsification performed with a curved tip provided more effective lens removal with a less total UST and EPT in all grades, except for grades IV, compared to a straight tip.