SUMMARY
Conversion from extracapsular cataract surgery to small incision phacoemulsification is inevitably associated with a called "learning curve". Prospective analysis of 50 consecutives operations performed by a group of anterior segment surgeons using phacoemulsification was done. Parameters were evaluated pre and post-procedure, including best corrected visual acuity, refraction, biomicroscopy, tonometry, keratometry, and ophthalmoscopy. Final best corrected visual acuity was 20140 or better in 42 (84%) of eyes. Vitreous loss occurred in 6 (12%) eyes. These results are comparable to previous reports of surgeons' experience during transition to phacoemulsification. With careful preparation, proper patient selection, meticulous technique, and supervised learning, even for a experienced surgeon, the learning curve for converting from extracapsular technique to phacoemulsification can be well managed to the patient welfare and to achieve acceptable results.