Conversion to small-incision phacoemulsification: experience with the first 50 eyes.

Conversion from extracapsular cataract surgery to small-incision phacoemulsification is inevitably associated with a learning curve. Retrospective analysis of one surgeon's learning curve was carried out on the first 50 consecutive operations using small-incision phacoemulsification. Parameters were evaluated, including postoperative acuity and astigmatism at eight days, three weeks, three months, and six months. A comparison of the results of the first 25 operations and the subsequent 25 showed statistically significant differences only in acuity at eight days and cylinder at three months. The most frequent complication was corneal edema lasting at least one week. With careful preparation, proper patient selection, and meticulous technique, the learning curve for converting from extracapsular surgery to small-incision phacoemulsification does not necessarily increase the complication rate.