Purpose: To introduce a novel technique termed "stop and drop" for creating the first crack in the initial hemi-nucleus, eliminating the need to slip a chopper under the anterior capsular rim during horizontal chopping, hence lowering the risk of capsular or zonular damage.
Methods: Placing a blunt chopper tip on the upper surface of the hemisection proximal to the capsular edge and pressing it downward to initiate a crack in a pinching manoeuvre. Once a crack has formed, the chopper can slide to the side, widening the crack and assisting the phaco needle to pull out the first fragment.
Results: The technique was used in over 100 cases of cataracts successfully. No radial tear, posterior capsule rupture or zonulolysis occurred.
Conclusions: "Stop and drop" is an effective and safe technique for performing phacoemulsification. It is not suitable for soft nuclei where the chopper will likely "cheese-wire" through the nuclear material.
Keywords: Phacoemulsification; horizontal chopping; phacodonesis; posterior capsule rupture; radial tear.