Capsule milking: Modification of capsulorhexis technique for intumescent cataract

We describe a single-stage modification of the continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis that facilitates creation of a well-sized round and centered capsulorhexis in an intumescent cataract. This is done without special instrumentation. The modification is based on overcoming the problem of high intralenticular pressure. It involves physically flattening the central anterior capsule, specifically over the site of puncture, simultaneous puncture and aspiration for decompression, followed by flattening of the midperiphery of the lens where the capsulorhexis can be safely initiated. This minimizes the tendency of capsulorhexis runaway and allows 1-stage creation of a well-sized capsule opening for phacoemulsification.