Technique for shortening a long clear corneal incision.

An optimal clear corneal incision creates a self-sealing intrastomal tunnel. Variability in incision length may pose surgical difficulties for subsequent phacoemulsification. An incision that is too long may lead to challenges including decreased instrument mobility, decreased visibility due to corneal striae, stromal hydration, and a difficult angle of approach to the cataract. These sequelae may lead to surgical complications or abandonment of the original incision. We describe a technique for shortening a long clear corneal incision with the intentional creation of a flap of corneal tissue at the posterior internal wound edge. This technique is a simple and quick modification that may avoid the pitfalls of an incision that is too long.