Bead-flow pattern: quantitation of fluid movement during torsional and longitudinal phacoemulsification.

Purpose: To develop a bead-flow pattern for visualizing and comparatively quantifying fluid movement using a torsional or longitudinal ultrasound (US) phaco handpiece.

Setting: Magill Laser Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

Methods: Visualization and quantification of intraocular fluid dynamics were evaluated by injecting neutrally buoyant, collagen-coated polystyrene beads (diameter, 125 to 212 microm) into the phacoemulsification irrigation flow.