Cataract extraction is the most prevalent surgical procedure, and for over 30 years, phacoemulsification techniques have helped it to become one of the safest and most predictable surgeries. Historically, due to technological limitations with phacoemulsification systems, operating at high intraocular pressure (IOP) was necessary to create and maintain a stable anterior chamber with efficient aspiration flow and vacuum.
We are gaining more and more new insights that show us just how high the pressure may become during surgery, as well as the potential impact on ocular structures. Recently, David Lubeck, MD, moderated a roundtable discussion on the topic of performing cataract surgery at a more physiologic IOP. He was joined by Jerry Hu, MD; Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD; and Arsham Sheybani, MD, a diverse group of anterior segment surgeons.