Abstract :
Introduction: Senile white cataracts are special cases in cataract surgery since they are associated with
unique set of complications not seen in immature cataracts. The major drawback while operating on a white
cataract is lack of nuclear details like its density or size. This study was conducted to establish nuclear size
in mature and hypermature senile cataracts.
Materials and Methods: The study involved intact nucleus obtained during manual small incision cataract
surgery. The cases were grouped into mature or hypermature category. The nucleus was measured directly
using electronic scale on a smartphone calibrated to measure up to 10 micrometers. The thickness and
diameter of nucleus were recorded. These values and ocular parameters obtained by immersion A-scan
preoperatively were analyzed.
Results: The mean nuclear thickness in mature cataracts was 3.66 mm (3.17 to 4.38) and in hypermature
cataracts was 3.36 mm (2.66 to 3.95). There was significant difference in nuclear thickness and lens
thickness between the two groups. The nuclear diameter did not vary significantly between the two groups.
Conclusion: The nucleus in mature cataract is significantly thicker than that of hypermature cataract
and occupies most of the lens volume indicating a dense nucleus. During phacoemulsification of mature
cataract, it is advisable to increase the machine parameters to tackle this dense nucleus. While in case of
hypermature cataract the machine parameters should be lowered as, the nucleus is thinner and less dense.
Keyword :
Mature cataract, Hypermature cataract, White cataract, Nuclear thickness, Nuclear diameter.