Ultrasound energy and prolonged irrigation contribute directly to endothelial cell loss. Modern phaco techniques aim to minimise cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) and intraocular time.
Lower energy and shorter exposure reduce endothelial trauma and help preserve long-term corneal clarity, especially in elderly patients or dense cataracts.
What this means for you
- Ask about energy management and CDE monitoring
- Endothelial protection affects long-term vision
Question to ask
- “How do you minimise phaco energy in my type of cataract?”
References
- Dick HB, Kohnen T, Jacobi FK, Jacobi KW. Energy analysis during phacoemulsification for dense nuclear cataract. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery. 2008;34(4):566–570.
- Walkow T, Anders N, Klebe S. Endothelial cell loss after phacoemulsification. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery. 2000;26(7):1070–1077.
