The flip and chop technique is a nuanced variation of traditional phacoemulsification cataract surgery that allows for efficient nucleus disassembly with minimal stress on the zonules and capsule.
It is particularly useful in cases with moderate to soft nuclei but can also be applied, with proper modifications, to firmer lenses. This technique emphasizes intraocular safety and control, and it gives a wider margin of safety from inadvertent damage to the delicate posterior capsule.
The procedure begins with a well-constructed capsulorrhexis, typically around 5 mm to 5.5 mm in diameter, allowing