Phacoemulsification in patients with corneal opacities using slit illumination of the surgical microscope.

Performing phacoemulsification in eyes with corneal opacities is challenging even with expert surgeons. Several techniques have been described to improve intraoperative visualization through opacified corneas. This retrospective interventional case series included 10 eyes of 10 patients with coexisting senile cataract and corneal opacity who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation under slit illumination of the surgical microscope. Uneventful phacoemulsification with IOL implantation was achieved in all eyes without intraoperative complications. Slit illumination reduced the light scattering and reflection from the corneal opacity, enhanced the red reflex, and improved depth perception simultaneously in different steps of phacoemulsification. Phacoemulsification was safely performed in eyes with corneal opacity under slit illumination of the surgical microscope. It can be considered as a viable option for improving intraoperative visualization in patients with corneal opacities without additional instrumentation.