Cataract Surgery: Phacoemulsification

672 Words2 Pages

Introduction

Phacoemulsification is the main method for elective cataract surgery; however, in some cases (such as hard cataracts, zonular laxity or loss and inadequate pupil dilatation) it can be challenging to complete the surgery without complication even for the most experienced surgeons. In these cases, preoperative planning and cautious intraoperative management are critical to avoid intraocular injury.
During the aging process, human lens undergoes progressive morphological changes, which lead loss of transparency. A hypermature or morgagnian cataract is a condition characterized by fibrous and calcified anterior lens capsule, liquefied cortex material, brownish rock-hard nucleus and zonular weakness. Therefore, most of the cataract surgeons hesitate to perform phacoemulsification in such cases.
In this case-report, we present management of a patient with morgagnian cataract, rigid anterior capsule and small pupil. Interestingly, none of the local eye surgeons offered cataract surgery to the patient previously.

Case-Report

A 73-year-old man presented with bilateral decreased visual acuity. He had visual acuity of light perception in both eyes for nine years, and local eye surgeons had not recommended cataract extraction to him. The patient underwent detailed ophthalmological examinations included slit-lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure measurement (applanation tonometry), dilated fundus examination (+ 90 D) and B-scan ocular ultrasonography. On initial examination, visual acuity was light perception in both eyes. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed bilateral fibro-calcified anterior lens capsule, brownish nucleus and inadequate pupil dilatation (Figure). Intraocular pressure measurements were normal. Dense cataract...

... middle of paper ...

...nian cataract might be challenging for any surgeon. Morphological lenticular changes might enforce the surgeon in any step of the phaco surgery. However, preoperative measures against potential risks can ease to perform a successful phaco surgery in cases with morgagnian cataract.

What was known:

Numerous nuclear fracture techniques were developed to make phaco surgery more efficient and safe, whereas most of these techniques focused on the first nuclear crack.

What this paper adds:

In phaco surgery, removing first lens piece is crucial and provide more endocapsular space, so following manipulations become easier.
Our technique allows the surgeon to chop first nuclear piece easily and safely under direct visualization of the lens periphery, unlike the classical "stop and chop" technique.

References

Figure legends

More about Cataract Surgery: Phacoemulsification

Open Document