TITLE:
Systematized Technique for Viscoelastic Material Aspiration in Facoemulisification Surgery (Zebra Technique)
AUTHORS:
Mateus Conciani, Juliane de Carvalho Rocha Moura, Eduardo Achkar Filho, Pedro Durães Serracabassa, Marcelo Tannous
KEYWORDS:
Phacoemulsification, Viscoelastic, Intraocular Pressure
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ophthalmology,
Vol.16 No.2,
May
13,
2026
ABSTRACT: Phacoemulsification is one of the most widely performed surgeries in the world. Although it has several complications reported in the literature, it is considered a safe procedure with low complication rates. This is mainly due to the development and systematization of surgical techniques, combined with growing experience in the field. Previous studies have reported that the main factor related to increased intraocular pressure in the early post-operative period is the presence of viscoelastic in the anterior chamber. The aim of this study is to describe a systematized technique for aspirating ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVD) in phacoemulsification and to evaluate its impact on post-operative intraocular pressure. We used a case-control design, comparing 2 groups of patients, the case group in which surgery was performed using the technique described and the control group with those who did not use the technique. This study aims to help prevent complications and improve post-operative results in cataract surgery.