Abstract

Soft Cataract is characterized by a minimally dense endonucleus with abundant sticky soft cortical matter.
Following are the challenges:
It can be technically difficult to achieve and sustain occlusion to hold a soft nucleus since the US tip tends to aspirate and perforate soft nuclear matter. The phaco tip being embedded too superficially during the chopping procedure, leads to an undivided bowl of the nucleus (posterior plate).
The chopper tends to cheese wire through the nucleus during the separation.
Higher vacuum in the gravity fluid system causes aspiration of soft nucleus, resulting in post-occlusion surge and PCR.
Following are the recommendations for a successful outcome:
CCC size should be adequate i.e. 5 mm.
Good hydrodissection & hydrodelineation, is a must to allow aspiration of a soft nucleus.
Complete division of a soft nucleus is not necessary in all cases, and a combination of chopping techniques may be applied for emulsification of soft nuclei for a good outcome.