Phacoemulsification in eyes with corneal opacification.

We describe a technique in which transcorneal illumination with a fiber-optic light probe is used to safely perform phacoemulsification in cataractous eyes with dense corneal opacification. The technique was used in 3 eyes of 3 patients. No surgical complications occurred, and all eyes had improved visual acuity. Indications and further refinement of the technique and instrumentation are discussed.