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 Inst itute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. Methods: In a teaching hospital setting, a prospective evaluation of phacoe mulsification in 25 eyes of 25 consecutive patients with hypermature catara ct was done. Patients with good pupil dilation, optimal endothelial cell co unt, and disease-free ocular and systemic status were included. High magnif ication, sodium hyaluronate, and a Utrata capsulo-rhexis forceps were used to perform continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC). The Stop and chop te chnique 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 CC C edge extended toward the periphery acid a Vannas scissors was used to ach ieve 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 signific ant corneal edema that resolved within 1 week in all cases. Conclusion: Phacoemulsification was successfully and safely performed in ap propriately selected patients with while hypermature cataract. (C) 1999 ASC RS and ESCRS.