Cataracta Nigra in a black male patient: A case report

Abstract

Cataracts are opacities in the human crystalline lens. Cataracts rank as the number one cause of reversible blindness worldwide. Definitive  management of cataracts is by cataract surgery; a predominantly outpatient procedure carried out by ophthalmologists. Cataract surgery outcomes are generally very good. Common complications of cataract surgery include infection, vitreous loss, dropped nucleus, posterior capsular rupture and retinal detachment. Types of cataracts include Cataracta Nigra (black cataract) and Brunescent Cataract (Brown Cataract). There are recent improvements in cataract surgery such as Phacoemulsification and Micro incision cataract surgery. Nowadays, the operating physician does not necessarily have to insert a stitch at the site of entry when using these newer techniques. This is a case report of an adult male patient with a rare form of cataract at Africa Eye Laser Center, Benin City, Nigeria. Patient recovery was remarkable post operation up with Visual Acuity to 6/18. Sutureless small incision cataract surgery is a viable technique for operating black cataracts.

Key Words: Cataracta Nigra, Brunescent Cataracts, Phacoemulsification, Visual Acuity