Phacoemulsification of white hypermature cataract

To evaluate the safety of phacoemulsification of white hypermature cataract, which is common in developing countries.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

In a teaching hospital setting, a prospective evaluation of phacoemulsification in 25 eyes of 25 consecutive patients with hypermature cataract was done. Patients with good pupil dilation, optimal endothelial cell count, and disease-free ocular and systemic status were included. High magnification, sodium hyaluronate, and a Utrata capsulorhexis forceps were used to perform continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC). The stop and chop technique was used for nuclear emulsification. A 5.5 mm optic allpoly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted, and wound closure was sutureless.

Successful CCC was performed in 23 of 25 cases. In 2 cases, the CCC edge extended toward the periphery and a Vannas scissors was used to achieve an even cut. No complications were seen during nuclear emulsification and IOL implantation. Eighty percent of the patients had a visual acuity of 20/40 or better on the first postoperative day. Five patients had significant corneal edema that resolved within 1 week in all cases.

Phacoemulsification was successfully and safely performed in appropriately selected patients with white hypermature cataract.