What is the purpose of hydrodissection during cataract extraction?

Hydrodissection is a critical step during cataract extraction that involves the use of a fluid (often a balanced salt solution) to separate the crystalline lens from the lens capsule. The primary purpose of this technique is to create a space between the anterior capsule and the lens, which facilitates the safe and effective removal of the lens during surgery. By allowing the cortex to be more easily maneuvered and removed, hydrodissection helps to minimize trauma to the surrounding structures of the eye.

Additionally, separating the cortical material from the lens capsule reduces the risk of damage to the capsule itself. This is essential for maintaining the integrity of the capsule, especially when planning to insert an intraocular lens afterward. By ensuring the separation is clean, the surgeon can expect a smoother extraction process, decreasing the risk of complications and improving surgical outcomes.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects unrelated to the hydrodissection process: removing the lens pertains to the overall goal of cataract surgery, creating an incision in the cornea refers to a different surgical step, and inserting a new intraocular lens takes place after the lens has been successfully extracted. Thus, hydrodissection specifically targets the separation of cortical material from the capsule, making it a pivotal maneuver in the catar