Purpose: We introduce an innovative technique, "Pac-Man", for the nuclear management of posterior polar cataracts and compare it with "Chop in situ" and "Fishbowl" techniques.
Method: A total of 60 eyes from 60 patients were randomly assigned to groups A, B, and C, with 20 eyes in each group. Pac-Man, Chop in situ, and Fishbowl techniques were used for groups A, B, and C. In the Pac-Man method, adequate single trench sculpts, and a right-sided lateral sculpt were performed and cracked. The triangular piece was emulsified, after which the rest of the nucleus looked like a "Pac-Man" cartoon. Techniques were compared by age, visual outcome, Posterior Capsule Rupture (PCR), Cumulative Dissipated Energy (CDE), and time of surgery.
Result: Postoperative BCVA was significantly improved after surgery (P = 0.0001, paired t-test). Time taken for surgeries were 25 ± 2.57, 30 ± 3.78, 40 ± 3.25 min, the CDE were 10 ± 0.95, 20 ± 1.2, 15 ± 0.48, and the PCR were 0%, 5%, and 10% for group A,B,C respectively. The total number of PCR was 3 out of 60 patients, and the percentage was 5.00%.
Conclusion: The "Pac-Man" method is a recommended technique due to its visual outcome, reduced surgical time, less CDE, and less chance of PCR.
Keywords: Pac-Man method; inside out hydro delineation; lateral sculpt; posterior polar cataract.