Automated irrigation/aspiration before phacoemulsification in eyes with white cataracts.
OBJECTIVE
A white mature cataract still presents a significant challenge for the cataract surgeon. Because of the reduced visibility and increased intracapsular pressure in such cases, it is difficult to consistently achieve controlled continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis. Several simple procedures for treatment of eyes with white mature cataract are described.


METHODS
Seven consecutive patients (7 eyes) with white cataracts were enrolled for cataract surgery from July 2002 to February 2003. A small, central anterior capsular opening was created after carefully filling the anterior chamber with viscoelastic agents. Automated irrigation/aspiration by lowering of a connected bottle of balanced salt solution was used to aspirate the liquefied milky lens contents and decrease intracapsular pressure.


RESULTS
All patients obtained controlled capsulorhexis, safe cataract phacoemulsification, and in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation.


CONCLUSIONS
Automated irrigation/aspiration before phacoemulsification is safe and effective for eyes with white cataracts.
Chen
Yung-Jen
YJ
Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Niao Sung Hsiang, Kaohsiung Hsien, Taiwan.
Wu
Pei-Chang
PC
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001331:Automation / Q000379:methods*; D002386:Cataract / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome