Clinical experience with 21-gauge manual microphacoemulsification using Sovereign WhiteStar Technology in eyes with dense cataract

PURPOSE: To present a series of patients who had 21-gauge microphacoemulsification using Sovereign WhiteStar technology. SETTING: John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. METHODS: Eighteen consecutive patients with cataracts judged to be 3+ or 4+ on a 4-point scale were prospectively monitored for complications, energy used during phacoemulsification, and results 1 day and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: No complications occurred during nucleus removal. On a 4-point scale, the mean level of inflammation at 1 day was 0.9 +/- 0.5 (SD), with 13 patients having no corneal edema. Seven patients had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better on the first postoperative day. At 3 months, all corneas were clear, there was no sign of anterior chamber inflammation, and all patients had a best corrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better (best-case analysis). CONCLUSION: Results show that 21-gauge microphacoemulsification with Sovereign WhiteStar technology is safe and effective for removal of hard cataracts.