3084: white cataract after ruptured globe
Performing cataract surgery following repair of a ruptured globe with a corneal laceration requires caution, as the primary trauma often causes compromised capsular integrity. Rapid hydration of lenticular fibers produces an opaque white cataract, obscuring direct visualization of underlying capsular tears or zonular disruption. Staining the anterior capsule with trypan blue is helpful for identifying anterior capsule breaches, establishing a continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis around existing defects, and determining whether capsular support remains sufficient to maintain irrigation and aspiration without inducing posterior expansion. Watch the video to see how the status of the capsule is determined and safely managed during cataract extraction in a post-traumatic repaired globe. What is your go-to technique for evaluating capsular integrity before committing to phacoemulsification in post-ruptured globe cases? Please comment your thoughts below.
