Modified stretch technique for small pupil phacoemulsification with topical anesthesia

I present an atraumatic technique for small pupil phacoemulsification using topical anesthesia. Fifty consecutive small pupil phacoemulsification cases were performed with topical anesthesia and mild intravenous sedation. Viscoelastic combined with a modified two instrument stretch was used for pupillary enlargement adequate for phacoemulsification. After preoperative cycloplegia, two or more multidirectional stretches were used for 3.0 to 5.0 mm pupils; three or more multidirectional stretches were used for pupils less than 3.0 mm. Pain and proprioceptive responses were avoided by reducing the stretch length, leaving the angle structures and ciliary body untouched. Sodium hyaluronate (Healon GV) created additional expansive power. Of 50 successfully implanted cases, 45 (90%) had acceptable pupillary form and function postoperatively. The 5 (10%) with enlarged, atonic pupils had past injury or inflammatory disease. This technique minimizes anterior segment trauma, instrumentation, and operating time.