Formalin-induced cataract in goat eyes as a surgical training model for phacoemulsification

Abstract

We compared 2 techniques of inducing cataract in enucleated goat eyes as a training model for phacoemulsification. The cataract was induced using 0.2 to 0.5 mL of formalin 20%. In 10 eyes, formalin was injected through a clear corneal side port into the nucleus after capsulorhexis and in 10 eyes, through the pars plana before capsulorhexis. The pars plana technique achieved a cataract of different grades of nuclear hardness with the added advantage of anterior capsule elasticity closely simulating that of senile cataract but without compromising corneal clarity.