Phaco-UCP; Combined Phacoemulsification and Ultrasound Ciliary Plasty Versus Phacoemulsification Alone for Management of Coexisting Cataract and Open Angle Glaucoma

A standard phacoemulsification was performed with 2.2 mm clear corneal incision, continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis, phacoemulsification and intrabagal implantation of foldable acrylic intraocular lens (AcrySof® IQ SN60WF monofocal; Alcon Laboratories Inc, Fort Worth, TX, USA) for all patients. Irrigation-aspiration was performed for at least 30 seconds to remove any viscoelastic from the anterior chamber. Reformation of the anterior chamber was done with balanced saline solution (BSS), followed by hydration of the corneal wound and side port.

Under peribulbar anesthesia, UCP was performed first, followed by phacoemulsification. UCP was performed using the same technique described before [18]. For all treatments, 2nd generation probe was used (EyeOP1, Eye Tech care; France) with the same parameters; Operating frequency was 21 MHz. Number of sectors activated was 6. Acoustic power was 2.45 W; duration of each shot was 8s; and the time between shots was 20s. The probe diameter (11, 12 or 13 mm) was determined according to the eye's biometric readings. The coupling cone was centered on the eye and kept in place with low vacuum suction, followed by introduction of the treatment probe inside the cone, then activation of the transducers by constantly pressing the foot switch. Once UCP treatment was finished, phacoemulsification was commenced