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CTRI Number  CTRI/2025/12/098479 [Registered on: 04/12/2025] Trial Registered Prospectively
Last Modified On: 01/12/2025
Post Graduate Thesis  Yes 
Type of Trial  Interventional 
Type of Study   Surgical/Anesthesia
Diagnostic 
Study Design  Randomized, Parallel Group Trial 
Public Title of Study   Comparing laser-assisted cataract surgery with a new phacoemulsification method for people with posterior polar cataracts. 
Scientific Title of Study   Comparative evaluation of Femtosecond-Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery and Stratified Phacoemulsification in management of Posterior Polar Cataract 
Trial Acronym  NIL 
Secondary IDs if Any  
Secondary ID  Identifier 
NIL  NIL 
 
Details of Principal Investigator or overall Trial Coordinator (multi-center study)  
Name  Anika 
Designation  Postgraduate Resident 
Affiliation  Dr. Om Parkash Eye Institute 
Address  Second Floor, Room No. 05, Department of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Dr. Om Parkash Eye Institute, 117-A, The Mall, Amritsar, Punjab
Second Floor, Room No. 05, Department of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Dr. Om Parkash Eye Institute, 117-A, The Mall, Amritsar, Punjab
Amritsar
PUNJAB
143001
India 
Phone  09284279884  
Fax    
Email  chaudharyannie86@gmail.com  
 
Details of Contact Person
Scientific Query
 
Name  Tushya Om Parkash 
Designation  Cataract and Refractive Surgery Consultant 
Affiliation  Dr. Om Parkash Eye Institute 
Address  Second Floor, Room No. 05, Department of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Dr. Om Parkash Eye Institute, 117-A, The Mall, Amritsar, Punjab
Second Floor, Room No. 05, Department of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Dr. Om Parkash Eye Institute, 117-A, The Mall, Amritsar, Punjab
Amritsar
PUNJAB
143001
India 
Phone  9980813156  
Fax    
Email  tushya@aol.in  
 
Details of Contact Person
Public Query
 
Name  Tushya Om Parkash 
Designation  Cataract and Refractive Surgery Consultant 
Affiliation  Dr. Om Parkash Eye Institute 
Address  Second Floor, Room No. 05, Department of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Dr. Om Parkash Eye Institute, 117-A, The Mall, Amritsar, Punjab
Second Floor, Room No. 05, Department of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Dr. Om Parkash Eye Institute, 117-A, The Mall, Amritsar, Punjab

PUNJAB
143001
India 
Phone  9980813156  
Fax    
Email  tushya@aol.in  
 
Source of Monetary or Material Support  
Dr. Om Parkash Eye Institute 117-A, The Mall, Amritsar, Punjab, India , 143001 
 
Primary Sponsor  
Name  Anika 
Address  Dr. Om Parkash Eye Institute, 117-A, The Mall, Amritsar, Punjab, India, 143001 
Type of Sponsor  Other [Self] 
 
Details of Secondary Sponsor  
Name  Address 
NIL  NIL 
 
Countries of Recruitment     India  
Sites of Study  
No of Sites = 1  
Name of Principal Investigator  Name of Site  Site Address  Phone/Fax/Email 
Anika  Dr. Om Parkash Eye Institute  Second Floor, Room No. 05, Department of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Dr. Om Parkash Eye Institute, 117-A, The Mall, Amritsar, Punjab, India, 143001
Amritsar
PUNJAB 
9284279884

chaudharyannie86@gmail.com 
 
Details of Ethics Committee  
No of Ethics Committees= 1  
Name of Committee  Approval Status 
Dr Om Parkash Eye Institute Ethics Committee  Approved 
 
Regulatory Clearance Status from DCGI  
Status 
Not Applicable 
 
Health Condition / Problems Studied  
Health Type  Condition 
Patients  (1) ICD-10 Condition: O||Medical and Surgical, (2) ICD-10 Condition: H258||Other age-related cataract,  
 
Intervention / Comparator Agent  
Type  Name  Details 
Comparator Agent  comparison betwwen FLACS and stratified phacoemulsification results.   comparison of visual acuity , endothelial cell count , anterior segment and posterior segment findings mainly rate of posterior capsule rupture in patients undergoing FLACS and that of startified phacoemulsification 
Intervention  Femtosecond-Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery  FLACS incorporates femtosecond laser technology to automate key steps like capsulotomy and lens fragmentation with exceptional precision. It offers increased reproducibility, reduced ultrasound energy usage, and minimized mechanical manipulation within the eye. The laser creates a highly precise 5.0-mm anterior capsulotomy centered using real-time imaging. It then performs quadrant segmentation of the nucleus, and optional grid softening (250–500 µm) depending on cataract density. Pre-softening decreases phaco energy requirements and improves safety. A posterior offset of 1000 µm preserves a thick epinuclear cushion to protect the posterior capsule. The capsulotomy disc is removed using the dimple-down technique, and gas bubbles generated during laser fragmentation are released by gently shifting the nucleus. Hydrodelineation is performed using short-pulse injections through a bent 26-gauge cannula to separate nucleus from epinucleus. Phacoemulsification is carried out with low fluidic settings using a direct-chop technique without nuclear rotation, reducing zonular stress. Typical parameters include 5% longitudinal power, 50% torsional power, 450 mm Hg vacuum, 34 cc/min aspiration flow rate, and IOP of 44 mm Hg. Residual epinucleus is removed gently with reduced power and vacuum settings, ensuring the posterior capsule remains protected. Finally, cortical material is aspirated, and an IOL is implanted similarly to standard phaco. 
Intervention  Stratified Phacoemulsification  Stratified Phacoemulsification is an advanced modification of standard phacoemulsification that focuses on controlled, layered nucleus removal while preserving the epinuclear shell until the end of the procedure. This preserved epinucleus acts as a protective cushion for the posterior capsule and zonules, reducing intraoperative risks and maintaining chamber stability. The procedure begins with a 2.8-mm temporal clear-corneal incision and a side-port incision to allow instrument access. A cohesive OVD is injected to maintain anterior chamber depth and protect ocular structures. A continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis is created under viscoelastic cover to ensure a round, centered opening that supports stable IOL placement. A Centurion phaco system with a balanced tip is used for nucleus removal, offering efficient emulsification with minimal turbulence. After creating a central trench, the stop-and-chop technique divides the nucleus into two halves. Stratified removal then begins: one quadrant is held with the phaco tip while the chopper is positioned superficially in the epinucleus. Pulling the nucleus centrally while the chopper anchors the epinucleus separates the dense nucleus from the softer shell. Each nuclear segment is emulsified individually, while the epinucleus remains intact. This process is repeated until all nuclear fragments are removed, leaving a thin epinuclear bowl. The epinucleus is aspirated gently under low IOP to avoid stressing the posterior capsule. After cortical cleanup, viscoelastic is reintroduced, a single-piece foldable IOL is implanted in the capsular bag, and all OVD is removed. Hydration of the incisions ensures watertight closure. Stratified phacoemulsification thus provides excellent safety, especially in dense cataracts, by maintaining a natural protective shell until late in surgery. 
 
Inclusion Criteria  
Age From  40.00 Year(s)
Age To  80.00 Year(s)
Gender  Both 
Details  1.Age more than 40 years.
2.Diagnosis of posterior polar cataract based on slit lamp evaluation and
anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) with nuclear
sclerosis.
3.Clear cornea
4.Written informed consent obtained for participation in the study.  
 
ExclusionCriteria 
Details  1.Pupil size less than 5.5mm.
2.History of previous ocular surgery.
3.Endothelial cell count less than 1500 cells per mm.
4.Presence of any other ocular pathology.
5.Unwillingness or inability to provide informed consent and comply with
follow up schedule.  
 
Method of Generating Random Sequence   Computer generated randomization 
Method of Concealment   Not Applicable 
Blinding/Masking   Not Applicable 
Primary Outcome  
Outcome  TimePoints 
1.To determine and compare the incidence of posterior capsular rupture in both
Femtosecond-Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) and stratified
phacoemulsification patients and its impact on Intraocular Lens (IOL)
placement.
2.To assess intraoperative timing of Posterior Capsule Rupture (PCR) and
management strategies used.
3.To assess and compare the postoperative Best Corrected Visual Acuity
(BCVA) using LogMAR chart in both groups.
4.To evaluate postoperative complications in both groups.
5. To evaluate and compare the Loss of endothelial cell density (ECD).  
Follow-up will be done on Post-Op Day (POD) 1, after 1 week, 1 month and 3
months.  
 
Secondary Outcome  
Outcome  TimePoints 
nil   
 
Target Sample Size   Total Sample Size="70"
Sample Size from India="70" 
Final Enrollment numbers achieved (Total)= "Applicable only for Completed/Terminated trials"
Final Enrollment numbers achieved (India)="Applicable only for Completed/Terminated trials" 
Phase of Trial   N/A 
Date of First Enrollment (India)   12/12/2025 
Date of Study Completion (India) Applicable only for Completed/Terminated trials 
Date of First Enrollment (Global)  Date Missing 
Date of Study Completion (Global) Applicable only for Completed/Terminated trials 
Estimated Duration of Trial   Years="1"
Months="0"
Days="0" 
Recruitment Status of Trial (Global)   Not Applicable 
Recruitment Status of Trial (India)  Not Yet Recruiting 
Publication Details   N/A 
Individual Participant Data (IPD) Sharing Statement

Will individual participant data (IPD) be shared publicly (including data dictionaries)?  

Response - NO
Brief Summary   This randomized, prospective study seeks to compare Femtosecond-Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) and stratified phacoemulsification in managing posterior polar cataracts. By evaluating the incidence and management of posterior capsular rupture, postoperative visual outcomes, complication rates, and endothelial cell loss, the study aims to determine which technique offers greater safety and efficacy. The results are expected to guide surgeons in selecting the most appropriate approach for this high-risk cataract type and improve patient care outcomes.  
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