Based on their physical properties, ophthalmic viscoelastic agents can be divided into 2 groups: higher-viscosity cohesive and lower-viscosity dispersive. Higher-viscosity cohesive agents are best at creating and preserving space, while lower-viscosity dispersive agents are retained better in the anterior chamber and are capable of partitioning spaces. The viscoelastic soft shell technique maximizes the advantages and minimizes the disadvantages of both groups by using dispersive and cohesive agents together in sequence based on the desired surgical goal.