Phacoemulsification of white hypermature cataract

Purpose: To evaluate the safety of phacoemulsification of white hypermature cataract, which is common in developing countries. Setting: Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. Methods: 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 capsulo-rhexis forceps were used to perform continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC). The Stop and chop technique was used for nuclear emulsification. A 5.5 mm optic all-poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted, and wound closure was sutureless. Results: Successful CCC was performed in 23 of 25 cases. In 2 cases, the CCC edge extended toward the periphery acid 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. Conclusion: Phacoemulsification was successfully and safely performed in appropriately selected patients with while hypermature cataract. (C) 1999 ASCRS and ESCRS.