Purpose: To investigate the amplitude of ultrasound waves that reach the cornea with the phacoemulsification tip at different angles.
Setting: Institute for Applied Mechanics and Control Engineering, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany.
Methods: A model eye was constructed with an ultrasound tip (angle 45 degrees) in the typical position during the procedure and a sensor mounted in the apex of the artificial cornea. The sensor measured the incoming ultrasound waves. Thirty bursts of ultrasound energy were set at 100% power with the bevel of the tip facing up toward the cornea, and 30 bursts were set with the bevel facing down toward the lens.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the measurements with the tips bevel up and bevel down.
Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the corneal load from ultrasound waves with the phacoemulsification tip in a bevel-up or bevel-down position.