To compare the clinical outcomes between high and low fluid-dynamic parameter settings during phacoemulsification.

In this retrospective study we analyzed 183 consecutive eyes with senile cataracts that underwent cataract surgery between October 2010 and January 2015. The phacoemulsifications were performed with high and low fluidic parameter settings, which were designated by different fluid heights, aspiration flow rates, and vacuum settings. We measured and compared the intraoperative factors including fluid consumption, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), ultrasound time, intraoperative complications, and pupil size changes during the phacoemulsification. Central corneal thickness (CCT), endothelial cell density (ECD), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were measured and compared preoperatively and postoperatively.

There was no statistically significant difference in the fluid consumption, CDE, or ultrasound time during phacoemulsification between the 2 groups. The frequencies of intraoperative complications were not statistically significant. UCVA, BCVA, and ECD were not statistically significantly different between the 2 groups during the postoperative follow-up. The low parameter group showed the lower increase in CCT on postoperative day 30.

The phacoemulsifications with low fluid-dynamic parameter resulted in less damage to intraocular tissue without any significantly different postoperative findings. The phacoemulsification with low fluid-dynamic parameter setting is more advantageous due to stable and safe aspects.