A cortical cataract is characterized by white, wedge-like opacities that start in the periphery of the lens and work their way to the center in a spoke-like fashion. This type of cataract occurs in the lens cortex, which is the part of the lens that surrounds the central nucleus. White cataracts pose a number of challenges during surgery: The capsulorhexis is difficult, the lens nucleus is dense and the risk of complications is high.
But there are techniques and devices that can be used intraoperatively to create a safer surgery and a better outcome for our patients. Cataract surgery with implantation of a traditional monofocal IOL, targeting distance vision, leaves most individuals dependent on some correction, usually spectacles, for near vision. The newer IOLs that actively accommodate by changing optic position or shape through attempted preservation of ciliary body function have…
