Cataracta nigra (black cataract): a challenging task made easy with sutureless manual extracapsular cataract extraction.

Background: Cataract surgery is constantly evolving and various procedures having their merits and demerits are practiced by ophthalmologists all over the world. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, visual outcome and complications of sutureless manual extracapsular cataract extraction (SMECE) in the management of patients with black cataracts using envelop anterior capsulotomy and soft shell technique.

Methods: In a prospective observational study conducted at Khyber Institute of Ophthalmic Medical Sciences, Hayatabad Medical Complex, from January 2008 to December 2009, a total of 125 consecutive patients with black cataract underwent cataract extraction using SMECE with an envelop or V-type anterior capsulotomy and soft shell technique.