What to do with limited view: The intumescent cataract

Abstract

-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (2-CCC) technique was the anterior capsulotomy approach of choice. Depending on the liquidity of the lens material, liquid cortex was aspirated using a 26- or 30-gauge needle before capsulorhexis or through a small CCC. Because of loss of CCC control, a can-opener capsulotomy was used in three of the 34 cases before being converted by the 2-CCC technique. The rigid nucleus was usually extracted using the down-slope nucleofractis phacoemulsification technique. Four (11.7%) of the 34 intumescent cases had anterior capsule tears during capsulotomy. Successful in-the-bag lens implantation was achieved in all cases. We describe a technique of CCC, 2-000, and down-slope sculpting nucleofractis phacoemulsification to manage intumescent cataracts. *Reprint requests to Howard V. Gimbel, M.D., Gimbel Eye Centre, #450, 4935-40 Avenue N. W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T3A 2N1. Presented at the Canadian Rockies Symposium on Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Banff, Alberta, June 1992. Editorial assistance provided by Maria Ferensowicz, B.Sc., M.A. © Williams & Wilkins 1993. All Rights Reserved....