Illuminated Chopper in Cataract Surgery

This study compares cataract surgery performed with an illuminated chopper and intracameral illumination with cataract surgery performed under conventional external coaxial microscope illumination. Participants undergoing bilateral cataract surgery will have one eye treated with the illuminated chopper and the other eye treated without the illuminated chopper, with the order randomized between eyes. The study will evaluate differences in operation time, pupil size, the need for additional intraocular medications or devices, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and postoperative clinical outcomes including visual acuity and intraocular pressure.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 40 years or older * Diagnosis of bilateral cataract * Both eyes suitable for cataract surgery * Expected postoperative best-corrected visual acuity of 0.2 Snellen or better * No other secondary ocular surgeries planned during the study period * Ability to comply with all study procedures and follow-up visits * Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Preoperative ocular or systemic conditions, or medication use, that may affect study outcomes, increase risk to the participant, or predispose to complications, including infectious disease, ocular atrophy, or zonular weakness * Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus * Use of alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia * Planned femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery * Congenital ocular disorders * History of ophthalmic surgery in either eye that may affect study outcomes or increase risk, including retinal surgery, glaucoma surgery, or anterior segment surgery * Inability to provide informed consent * Pregnancy