Automated irrigation/aspiration before phacoemulsification in eyes with white cataracts

A white mature cataract still presents a significant challenge for the cataract surgeon. Because of the reduced visibility and increased intracapsular pressure in such cases, it is difficult to consistently achieve controlled continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis. Several simple procedures for treatment of eyes with white mature cataract are described.

Seven consecutive patients (7 eyes) with white cataracts were enrolled for cataract surgery from July 2002 to February 2003. A small, central anterior capsular opening was created after carefully filling the anterior chamber with viscoelastic agents. Automated irrigation/aspiration by lowering of a connected bottle of balanced salt solution was used to aspirate the liquefied milky lens contents and decrease intracapsular pressure.

All patients obtained controlled capsulorhexis, safe cataract phacoemulsification, and in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation.

Automated irrigation/aspiration before phacoemulsification is safe and effective for eyes with white cataracts.