How to become
a phaco surgeon - part 1

Eye surgeon wearing a mask and magnification loupes while performing microsurgery in an operating room with illuminated ophthalmic equipment in the background.

Date

March 28, 2025

Reading Time

5 minutes

Beginners Guide with Prof. Kai Januschowski

Phacoemulsification is a highly refined surgical skill that requires extensive training, precision, and practice. This blog post summarizes key insights from the video series "How to Become a Phaco Surgeon," featuring Prof. Kai Januschowski (Germany) and Dr. Lukas Bisorca-Gassendorf (Germany). Their journey provides an invaluable roadmap for aspiring cataract surgeons.

Your first day in the OR | Beginners Guide | How to become a phaco surgeon | Cataract

First Day in the OR: Overcoming the Initial Challenges

Starting as a phaco surgeon is overwhelming. The transition from theory to hands-on surgery presents numerous challenges. Dr. Bisorca-Gassendorf emphasizes the importance of wetlabs as a preparatory step:

Before you go to the OR, it's always better to do a wetlab. This helped me a lot in terms of learning to deal with the microscope and the settings of the machine.
Dr Lukas Bisorca-Gassendorf

However, even with preparation, the first surgery can be daunting. Depth perception, hand stability, and adapting to the surgical environment take time to develop. Prof. Januschowski advises:

Try to have done [the foot pedal, the table, the draping] at least 20 times before you really go into the patient.
Prof Kai Januschowski

The initial goal should not be perfection but familiarization with the surgical process.

Manage the main incision and sideports | Beginners guide | How to become a phaco surgeon | Cataract

Tunnel and Sideport Incisions: The Foundation of Phaco Surgery

A well-executed main incision and sideports are critical for a successful phaco surgery. Early-stage surgeons often struggle with tremors and eye movement, as Dr. Bisorca-Gassendorf shares:

You see that the eye is moving too much. Way too much.
Dr Lukas Bisorca-Gassendorf

Finding the right armrest position and controlling instrument pressure helps stabilize hand movements. Incision placement is also crucial. As Prof. Januschowski explains:

Modern cataract surgery is always from the temporal side.
Prof Kai Januschowski

Additionally Dr. Lukas Bisorca-Gassendrof explains:

If you place the incision closer to the limbus, the risk of endophthalmitis should technically be lower, and then the wound should seal better, which is an important factor in surgical success.
Dr Lukas Bisorca-Gassendorf

Capsulorhexis: Mastering the Signature Step

Capsulorhexis is often the most feared step in phaco surgery. Even experienced surgeons find it challenging:

The capsulorhexis is the ultimate nemesis of every cataract surgeon. Even if you have performed 20,000 of them, it will always be a challenge. If you have a really messed-up capsulorhexis, everyone will notice it.
Prof. Kai Januschowski

Whether using a cystotome or forceps, precision is key. Prof. Januschowski describes it as the surgeon’s signature, comparing it to a postcard. A poor capsulorhexis can lead to intraoperative complications, making the entire surgery more difficult. Training to perform consistent, round, and centered capsulorhexis is essential.

To address this challenge, we have developed the high-frequency capsulotomy which allows to open the capsular bag without tearing by forceps or needles.

How to perform your first capsulorhexis | Beginners guide | How to become a phaco surgeon | Cataract

Hydrodissection: Ensuring a Mobile Nucleus

Hydrodissection separates the lens nucleus from the cortex, ensuring smooth nucleus removal. Key principles include:

Watching for the fluid wave: “I see a wave.”
Pressing down on the nucleus: “Push a little bit down on the nucleus in order to have the BSS coming up and not be trapped.”
Avoiding posterior capsule blowout: “Make sure you can twist and turn it.”

Dr. Januschowski highlights that hydrodissection may seem simple but is often underestimated:

Hydrodissection looks easy if you can do it, but it is hard to achieve.
Prof Kai Januschowski

If a Hydrodissection is not properly done it can lead to complications like posterior capsule rupture, so this surgery step is crucial.

Grooving vs. Direct Chop: Choosing the Right Nucleus Management Technique

The choice between grooving and direct chop depends on experience and cataract density. Grooving:

Helps beginners understand lens depth.
Requires a visible red reflex to judge depth correctly.
Often results in incomplete grooves due to hesitation.

Dr. Bisorca-Gassendorf shares his early experience:

When I used to groove, I did not go deep enough.
Dr Lukas Bisorca-Gassendorf

Direct Chop:

More efficient once adequate experience is gained.
Suited for harder nuclei.

Dr Bisorca-Gassendorf shares his early experience:

The direct chop made a real big change in the learning curve.
Dr Lukas Bisorca-Gassendorf

Prof. Januschowski advises beginners to switch to direct chop after around 200–250 cases, focusing on proper chopper depth for successful nuclear division.

Your essential surgery techniques | Beginners guide | How to become a phaco surgeon | Cataract

Final Thoughts: The Learning Curve Never Ends

Every phaco surgeon faces complications and failures. Prof. Januschowski reminds trainees:

Do not expect it to go well because it will not go well.
Prof Kai Januschowski

Each step—incision, capsulorhexis, hydrodissection, and nucleus management—requires practice and refinement. Standardization, mentorship, simulation and wetlab training help develop consistency and confidence.

Phaco surgery is a journey of continuous improvement. Through perseverance, technical refinement, and learning from experience, surgeons can master this intricate procedure and provide optimal outcomes for their patients ^B1.

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