Taming the polar bear: Ten tips to manage posterior polar cataract

BACKGROUND: Posterior polar cataracts are challenging even for skilled cataract surgeons due to the high risk of posterior capsule rupture and vitreous loss during cataract surgery; hence, it is important to know how to manage such cases. PURPOSE: In this video, we describe the necessary precautions and steps to be taken to prevent and manage complications in phacoemulsification cataract surgery for posterior polar cataracts. SYNOPSIS: The video contains ten tips to follow to avoid complications while performing phacoemulsification cataract surgery in patients with posterior polar cataracts and includes preoperative identification on slit-lamp examination, size of capsulorhexis, avoidance of hydrodissection, technique of nucleus management, viscoelastic injection to keep the anterior chamber formed, epinucleus and cortical matter removal, posterior capsular rupture management, anterior vitrectomy, and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with posterior capsular rupture. HIGHLIGHTS: The video highlights ten different steps to be followed in the surgical management of patients with posterior polar cataract which, if followed meticulously, can give excellent outcomes in these patients. CONCLUSION: Posterior polar cataracts can be managed with phacoemulsification, with good visual outcomes if these precautions are followed. VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/TeoLckE83xM. Additional information: Won Best Educational Video in a contest by phacotraining.org