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ARTICLE
Purpose: To evaluate morphological characteristics and intra- homogenous ground-glass appearance of the anterior lens cortex.
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operative dynamics of different types of white cataract using intra- Capsulorhexis in type I cataract was uneventful. In type II cataract,
operative optical coherence tomography (iOCT). cortical bulge was observed in the anterior chamber on creating
the initial nick, indicating raised intralenticular pressure (ILP) with
Setting: Dr. Rajendra Prasad Center for Ophthalmic Sciences, All an imminent risk of rhexis extension. A bimanual irrigation/aspiration
India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. was performed until lowering of ILP was observed on iOCT. In
types III and IV, fluid release was observed on initiation of rhexis
Design: Prospective interventional study. leading to partial (type III) or complete (type IV) lowering of ILP,
with a mild-moderate risk of capsulorhexis extension. A continuous
Methods: Fifty eyes with white cataract undergoing phacoemul-
curvilinear capsulorhexis was achieved in all cases, with no case
sification were evaluated. The primary outcome measure was the
of posterior capsular tear or vitreous loss.
classification of white cataract based on morphology and intra-
operative dynamics on iOCT. The secondary outcome measure was
Conclusions: Intraoperative OCT helped elucidate intraoperative
rhexis-related complications.
dynamics of the spectrum of white cataracts and facilitates completion
of capsulorhexis.
Results: Four types of white cataract were identified based on iOCT
—type I (9 eyes), type II (3 eyes), type III (24 eyes), and type IV (14
eyes). Type I had regularly arranged lamellar cortical fibers, type II J Cataract Refract Surg 2020; 46:598–605 Copyright © 2020 Published by
had continuous hyperreflective bands of cortical fibers with intra- Wolters Kluwer on behalf of ASCRS and ESCRS
lenticular clefts, type III had intralenticular clefts combined with areas
Online Video
of homogenous ground-glass appearance, and type IV had
Submitted: August 23, 2019 | Final review submitted: November 13, 2019 | Accepted: November 22, 2019
From the Cornea, Cataract & Refractive Surgery Services, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Center for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Corresponding author: Jeewan S. Titiyal, MD, Cornea, Cataract & Refractive Surgery Services, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Center for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute
of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India. Email: titiyal@gmail.com.
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IOCT-GUIDED MANAGEMENT OF WHITE CATARACT 599
microscope-integrated iOCT, and a new comprehensive classification system incisions were hydrated with a balanced salt solution. Post-operatively, all
was proposed, including the management strategy based on the real-time cases received topical antibiotics and steroids for 1 month and topical
cycloplegics for 2 weeks.
intraoperative characteristics.
The primary outcome measure was the classification of white cataract
based on morphology, ILP, and intraoperative dynamics assessed using
iOCT. The secondary outcome measure was the presence of any
METHODS A
capsulorhexis-related complications. Post-operative comprehensive
prospective interventional study of 50 eyes with white cataract was performed examination included uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities,
at a tertiary care ophthalmic center. The study was approved by the institute intraocular pressure, slitlamp biomicroscopy, and fundus evaluation. Follow-
ethics committee. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients, up was performed on postoperative day 1 and 1 month.
and the study adhered to the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki.
Figure 1. Morphological features of type I white cataract on intraoperative optical coherence tomography. A: Regularly arranged lamellar
cortical fibers (yellow arrows) with minimal intralenticular clefts and without increased convexity of the anterior lens capsule. B: On initiation of
capsulorhexis, there was no release of turbid or milky fluid with minimal disturbance of the underlying cortex.
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600 IOCT-GUIDED MANAGEMENT OF WHITE CATARACT
Figure 2. Morphological features of type II white cataract on iOCT. A: Visibly increased convexity of the anterior lens capsule, continuous
hyperreflective bands/sheets of cortical fibers beneath the anterior lens capsule (white arrows) with multiple intralenticular clefts (yellow arrows).
B: On initiation of capsulorhexis, a bulge of the anterior lens cortex into the anterior chamber was observed on iOCT, signifying raised
intralenticular pressure (yellow arrows) (iOCT = intraoperative optical coherence tomography).
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IOCT-GUIDED MANAGEMENT OF WHITE CATARACT 601
Figure 4. Morphological features of type III white cataract on iOCT. A: Convex anterior lens capsule, hyperreflective bands of swollen cortical
fibers (white arrows), intralenticular clefts (yellow arrows), and regions of homogenous ground-glass appearance (red arrows). B: On initiation
of capsulorhexis, there is a release of oily/turbid fluid (yellow arrows) with a simultaneous flattening of the anterior lens capsule seen on iOCT
(iOCT = intraoperative optical coherence tomography).
cortical matter in the anterior chamber (AC), and there was circular opening with a microforceps under the cushion of a
no additional risk of capsulorhexis extension (Figure 1, B). dispersive OVD, and an iOCT-guided bimanual I/A was
A single-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis could be performed to relief the raised ILP (Figure 3, A). A flattening of
completed in all cases. the anterior lens capsule was observed after aspirating the
cortical matter (Figure 3, B). Subsequent capsulorhexis was
Type II successfully completed using a microforceps (Figure 3, C,
Type II white cataract is characterized by a visibly increased Video 1, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at http://
convexity of the anterior lens capsule and continuous hy- links.lww.com/JRS/A18 ).
perreflective bands/sheets of cortical fibers beneath the
anterior lens capsule with multiple intralenticular clefts (Figure Type III
2, A). The intensely hyperreflective bands mean hydrated Type III white cataract is characterized by a convex anterior
swollen sheets of cortical fibers. The hyporeflective lens capsule, hyperreflective bands of swollen cortical fi-
intralenticular clefts are formed because of the separation of bers, intralenticular clefts, and regions of homogenous ground-
swollen cortical fibers and a loss of the regular lamellar glass appearance (Figure 4, A). The hyperreflective bands
arrangement of the cortex. These clefts may contain localized with intralenticular clefts indicate the presence of hydrated
liquefied cortical material; However, confluent fluid pockets intumescent cortical fibers and subsequent raised ILP,
were not seen on iOCT. On initiation of capsulorhexis, a whereas the homogenous ground-glass regions in-dicate
release of turbid or milky fluid was not observed. A bulge of confluent areas of the liquefied cortical matter. The continuity
the anterior lens cortex into the AC was observed on iOCT, of hydrated cortical fiber bands is broken by regions of ground-
signifying raised ILP (Figure 2, B). The continuous hydrated glass appearance (fluid).
cortical fibers forming the anterior limit of the cortical bulge On initiation of capsulorhexis, there is a release of oily/
prevented the release of any liquefied cortical material and turbid fluid, which results in a partial lowering of ILP (Figure
subsequent lowering of ILP. The anterior lens capsule also 4, B). The turbid fluid egresses spontaneously and slowly
bowed into the AC along the configuration of the cortical with a simultaneous flattening of the anterior lens capsule
bulge, resulting in an imminent risk of capsulorhexis ex- seen on iOCT. The fluid egress may be facilitated by
tension. The capsulorhexis nick was converted into a small decompressing the AC through the paracentesis incision. TO
Figure 5. Morphological features of type IV white cataract on intraoperative optical coherence tomography. A: Convex anterior lens capsule
and a uniform homogenous ground-glass appearance of the anterior lens cortex. B: Rapid egress of copious amounts of white milky fluid
(yellow arrows) on initiation of capsulorhexis with flattening of the anterior lens capsule.
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602 IOCT-GUIDED MANAGEMENT OF WHITE CATARACT
Figure 6. Intraoperative optical coherence tomography–guided classification of white cataracts and morphological variations in 4 types of white cataracts.
bimanual I/A or needle aspiration of the fluid may be performed, cases. A bimanual I/A was performed in all 3 eyes with type II cataract
although it is not mandatory. There is no well-defined bulge of the and 4 eyes with type III cataract, followed by completion of
anterior lens cortex in the AC. Slight intumescence of cortical fibers capsulorhexis with a forceps. Phacoe-mulsification could be
persisted because of the hyperreflective cortical fiber chords with completed uneventfully in all cases, and there was no case with
intralenticular clefts, and a forceps-assisted rhexis is preferred to posterior capsular tear or vitreous loss. At 1 month, the uncorrected
avoid inadvertent capsulorhexis extension. Spiral capsulorhexis and distance visual acuity was 20/25 or better in all cases.
2-stage capsulorhexis should be performed to allow a controlled
creation of capsulorhexis in these types of
DISCUSSION
cataract White cataracts continue to pose a surgical challenge even for
experienced surgeons, with continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis
Type IV being the most difficult surgical step. An incomplete capsulorhexis
Type IV white cataract is characterized by a convex anterior lens may be observed in 3.85% to 28.3% of cases, with an increased
capsule and a uniform homogenous ground-glass appearance of the incidence of posterior capsular rupture and vitreous loss.4,16
anterior lens cortex, signifying conflu-ent liquefaction of the entire
anterior lens cortex (Figures 5, A and 7, A). Few cortical fibers with We describe a new iOCT-based classification of white cataracts
intralenticular clefts may be observed beneath the homogenous and correlated the morphological features with the intraoperative
ground-glass region. There is a rapid egress of copious amounts of difficulty during capsulorhexis. We also proposed management
white milky fluid on initiation of capsulorhexis with a complete lowering strategies based on the type of white cataract and intraoperative
of ILP (Figures 5, B and 7, B). The convex anterior lens capsule dynamics.
flattens after the fluid release as observed on iOCT and assumes a The previous classification systems of white cataract are based on
flat to a concave configuration (Figure 7, C). Forceps-assisted the preoperative slitlamp biomicroscopy or ul-trastructural
capsulorhexis is performed, with low-moderate difficulty during features.1,14,15 Raised ILP has been universally recognized as
capsulorhexis due to a loss of adequate cortical support. causing difficulties during capsulorhexis; however, it is usually
described in association with egress of milky fluid.1,14,15 Brazitikos
et al. classified white cataract into 3 types based on ultrasonographic
In this series, type I cataract was observed in 9 (18%) of 50 eyes, features, with type I characterized by intumescent cataract with fluid
type II in 3 (6%) of 50 eyes, type III in 24 (48%) of 50 eyes, and type egress on initiation of capsulorhexis, type II as a nonintumescent
IV in 14 (28 %) of 50 eyes. No case had radial extension of voluminous nucleus, and type III with a fibrosed capsule and hard
capsulorhexis or capsular tears. A continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis sclerotic nucleus.1 Basti classified white cataract based
was achieved in all
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IOCT-GUIDED MANAGEMENT OF WHITE CATARACT 603
on slitlamp biomicroscopy features into 8 subtypes based matter may be required in some cases to reduce the
on ILP (assessed by convexity of the anterior lens persistent intumescence. Type IV cataract is associated
capsule), status of the cortex, and color of the nucleus.14 with copious release of white milky fluid with complete
Dhami et al. used anterior segment OCT to assess the reso-lution of ILP, and the main difficulty in capsulorhexis
presence or absence of intralenticular in these types of white cataract stems from a lack of
subcapsular fluid pockets.15 We observed that type II cortical support during rhexis rather than a raised ILP.
intumescent cataract with raised ILP is not associated with Morgagnian cataract (liquified cortex with sclerotic nucleus)
any fluid release. The classic Argentinian flag sign is most is a type IV white cataract, and a concave anterior lens
likely to be observed in this type of cataract, and an urgent capsule con-figuration with empty space between the
decompression of the ILP is essential to prevent capsule and the nucleus can be visualized after release of
capsulorhexis extension.17 By contrast, fluid release helps the milky fluid (Figure 7).
relieve the raised ILP either partially (type III) or completely A sudden explosive egress of milky fluid in type IV cat-
(type IV). In type III cataract, the ILP, although not as aracts may still result in capsulorhexis extension if a large
raised as in type II cataract, still causes difficulty during initial opening in the anterior lens capsule is made. We
capsulorhexis, and a forceps-assisted rhexis provides made an initial small nick (akin to a puncture) with a 26-
more surgeon control for successful completion of capsulorhexis.gauge
A bimanual
needleI/A of the cortical
cystotome through the paracentesis incision under
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604 IOCT-GUIDED MANAGEMENT OF WHITE CATARACT
Morphological features Regularly arranged lamellar Increased convexity of the Combination of hyperreflective Uniform homogenous
cortical fibers with minimal previous lens capsule and cortical bands with ground-glass appearance
intralenticular clefts continuous hyperreflective intralenticular clefts and of the anterior lens cortex
bands of swollen cortical regions of homogenous
fibers with intralenticular ground-glass appearance
clefts
Raised ILP preoperatively No Forks Forks Forks
capsulorhexis
Resolution of ILP after — No Forks
No (partial resolution)
initiation of capsulorhexis
Risk of capsulorhexis Low High Moderate Low-moderate
extension
Management strategy Single-stage forceps/needle Forceps-assisted 2-stage Aspiration of turbid fluid, AC decompression to
cystotome capsulorhexis capsulorhexis. Bimanual needle aspiration, and I/A facilitate egress of milky fluid
I/A to lower ILP after Forceps-assisted and improve visualization
initial small rhexis capsulorhexis Forceps-assisted
capsulorhexis
AC = anterior chamber; I/A = irrigation/aspiration; ILP = intralenticular pressure; OCT = optical coherence tomography
a cohesive OVD cover. This allowed for a controlled egress of which may have helped pre-empt and prevent rhexis-related
the milky fluid, and we did not observe any capsulorhexis complications.
extension. The cohesive OVD was retained well; moreover, it Our classification of white cataract based on iOCT could
allowed space for fluid release. have manifold functional advantages. First, iOCT helps
After initiation of rhexis, a dispersive OVD was injected understand the morphology of white cataracts. Second, it
over the cohesive OVD in types II to IV white cataract to could aid in the understanding of the current intraoperative
complete the rhexis. The cohesive OVD facilitates easy dynamics of different types of white cataract and identify
manipulation of the anterior capsular flap, and the dis-persive true intumescent cataracts with an imminent risk of cap-
OVD tamponades the flap and does not allow the sulorhexis extension. The dynamics of the anterior lens
cohesive OVD to escape. surface before and after the creation of the initial nick in the
We use iOCT as a guide to decision making based on anterior lens capsule, variation in positive lenticular pressure
the assessment of prenick and postnick features. We with different maneuvers, and subsequent completion of
progressed with conventional capsulorhexis in type I cat- rhexis could be directly visualized. Third, it could help
aracts without any additional difficulty. It was most difficult formulate a management plan based on the morphological
to control the flap tear in type II cataracts because of the features observed on iOCT to successfully complete the
cortical bulge, and all cases required a bimanual I/A fol- capsulorhexis. Finally, our classification also demonstrates
lowed by secondary enlargement of the rhexis. Type III the natural progression of white cataract wherein the cortical
cataract had some amount of intumescence and positive fibers progressively become hydrated distorting the normal
pressure even after fluid release; however, the surgeon lamellar arrangement of the lens cortex, followed by pro-
control over the flap tear was better than that in type II gressive liquefaction of the cortical material. Type I cataract
cataract In type IV cataract, the main difficulty during flap had regular lamellar cortical fibers with no fluid or clefts,
tear was due to the absence of cortical support after release type II had hydrated swollen cortical fibers with multiple
of the fluid cortex. intralenticular clefts, type III had cortical liquefaction in-
A needle aspiration of the liquefied cortex may be per- terspersed with intralenticular clefts, and type IV had ex-
formed in type III cataracts; however, it is unlikely to be tensive liquefaction of the anterior lens cortex. White
useful in type II cataracts because of the absence of con- cataracts encompass a wide spectrum of morphological
fluent fluid pockets. The capsulorhexis difficulties were variants, and there may be a combination of characteristics
graded as low in type I, low to moderate in type IV, and overlap between types, but classically they may be
moderate in type III, and high in type II cataracts. grouped into 4 types as per our classification (Figure 6).
We did not observe any anterior capsular tears, rhexis The use of microscope-integrated iOCT as an aid to
extension, or posterior capsular rupture in our series. All decision making has classically been described in lamellar
surgeries were performed by a single experienced surgeon keratoplasties and posterior segment surgeries.9,10 For
(JST). Intraoperative OCT helped us to directly visualize a cataract surgeon, iOCT may be viewed as an additional
and assess the dynamics of the anterior lens capsule and nonessential therapeutic modality. However, we observed
corticonuclear complex and manage the cases accordingly, that iOCT helps assess surgical dynamics and is a valuable
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IOCT-GUIDED MANAGEMENT OF WHITE CATARACT 605
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