Manual tunnel incision extracapsular cataract extraction using the sandwich technique

Small incision extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) using the sandwich technique is described. After capsulorhexis, hydrodissection, and hydrodeli neation, the endonucleus is moved into the anterior chamber and extracted b y sandwiching it between the irrigating vectis and iris spatula. In a serie s of 37 eyes, most achieved a best corrected visual acuity of 5/10 or bette r postoperatively. Complications were posterior capsule rupture, vitreous l oss, and transient corneal edema. Small incision ECCE using the sandwich te chnique is safe, easy, and does not require expensive instrumentation.