Clinical Outcomes after Phacoemulsification in Brunescent Cataract

Abstract

Purpose To compare the clinical outcomes after phacoemulsification in a brunescent cataract group and a control cataract group. Methods Using slit-lamp microscopy, the Lens Opacities Classification System III was applied to classify brunescent cataract from “other” types based on nuclear opalescence and nuclear color cut-off levels of 5 and 5, respectively. From December 2016 to December 2019, 33 eyes of 33 brunescent cataract patients who underwent cataract surgery were included in the brunescent cataract group; 33 eyes of 33 other cataract patients with similar conditions were included as the control group. The corneal endothelial cell density and best-corrected visual acuity were compared between the two groups. Results In the three cases of posterior capsular rupture that developed in the brunescent cataract group, the intraocular lens was implanted at the ciliary sulcus, and in two cases, total vitrectomy was performed. In the one case of posterior capsular rupture in the control group, the intraocular lens was implanted at the ciliary sulcus, and total vitrectomy was performed. There were no significant differences in best-corrected visual acuity between the two groups at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, or 6 months postoperatively. The mean corneal endothelial cell density loss measured at 1 month after surgery was significantly higher in the brunescent cataract group. Conclusions Phacoemulsification in the brunescent cataract group showed good clinical results in terms of visual acuity and mean corneal endothelial cell density loss compared with the control cataract group, when performed by an experienced surgeon. Keywords: Brunescent cataract; Clinical outcomes; Complications; Phacoemulsification