Brunescent cataracts are very advanced nuclear cataracts that have become brown and opaque. Among the most difficult cases for phacoemulsification is the dense brunescent cataract. Due to the increased nuclear density, the cataract surgery requires more effort, energy and attention to successfully complete. The patients are at a higher risk for complications, but they are often the most grateful because they can go from legally blind back to the normal vision that will allow them to resume their normal activities of daily life.
The patients present with a long-standing history of markedly decreased vision that has slowly deteriorated over the years. These patients typically have visual acuities worse than 20/200, and both eyes tend to be affected relatively equally. The patients are often older and may have coexisting ocular pathology or conditions that can affect the final visual…
