title: Surgical techniques for difficult cataracts.
abstract: This article reviews some of the advances that have taken place in the surgical techniques for difficult cataracts such as rock-hard, white, and posterior polar cataracts. Fashioning a central space, modified chopping maneuvers, and creation of multiple small fragments have enabled the surgeon to consistently achieve a successful outcome. A judicious combination of chop and separation movement in a step-by-step manner reduce the stress of the procedure and make it safer. Raised intracapsular pressure and poor visibility are dealt with through various innovative techniques. Use of high-viscosity sodium hyaluronate and double capsulorhexis allow the surgeon to achieve capsulorhexis with a high success rate. A controlled and gentle approach to phacoemulsification has proven to be the key factor for success in posterior polar cataracts.
authors.affiliation: Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre, Raghudeep Eye Clinic, Ahmedabad, India.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vasavada
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000601:surgery*; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000379:methods*