Phacoemulsification in eyes with white cataract

• Published in: Acta clinica Croatica (Tisak) Vol. 49; no. 3; pp. 343 - 345
• Main Authors: Susić, Nikola, Brajković, Jasenka, Susić, Edita, Kalauz-Surać, Ivana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Croatia 01-09-2010
• Subjects: Aged; Cataract - complications; Cataract - pathology; Exfoliation Syndrome - complications; Female; Humans; Intraoperative Complications; Mydriasis; Phacoemulsification - adverse effects; Phacoemulsification - methods
• ISSN: 0353-9466

Phacoemulsification of white cataracts is associated with some difficulties and a higher rate of intraoperative complications. The aim of this report is to describe one of these cases and the possible ways to manage them. We report on cataract surgery in a 79-year-old patient with white mature cataract and insufficient mydriasis because of the pseudoexfoliation syndrome. The use of vital dyes for staining the anterior capsule enhances visualization and helps perform continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis, which is a key point for performing successful phacoemulsification. In case of small pupils because of insufficient pharmacological mydriasis, we can either enlarge the pupil or work through it. Meticulous preoperative biomicroscopic and A-scan examination (the type of cataract according to intralental A-scan findings) can help select appropriate phaco technique. Despite a higher rate ofintraoperative complications, white cataracts can be safely operated on with phacoemulsification technique.