Dr.Nikhil Balakrishnan

Dr. NAREN SHETTY, Dr. ROHIT SHETTY, Dr. LUCI KAWERI

Abstract

Purpose: To study the propensity of aerosol generation during phacoemulsification(phaco) and quantify its spread amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Methods: In an experimental set up, phaco was performed on enucleated goats eye and cadaveric human corneo-scleral rim mounted on an artificial anterior chamber. Using standard phaco settings & a straight tip of 2.2&2.8 mm diameter, phaco was performed. Main wound incisions were fashioned equal to & larger than the sleeve size. Aerosols & droplet generation was imaged using high speed shadowgraphy technique

Results: In longitudinal phaco no aerosol generation was seen in a closed chamber. In larger wounds however there was a slow leak at the main wound but absence of aerosolisation. Atomization of Balanced salt solution wass seen when the phaco tip was completely exposed

Conclusions: There is no visible aerosol generation during phaco. It is thus safe to perform in the COVID era with adequate precautions against other modes of transmission

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