What is the purpose of hydrodelineation during cataract surgery?

Hydrodelineation is a technique used during cataract surgery primarily to separate the nucleus of the lens from the surrounding epinucleus and cortex. This separation is crucial because it facilitates the safe and efficient removal of the cataractous lens material. By creating a clear distinction between these layers, the surgeon can better manipulate and extract the nucleus without engaging the softer surrounding tissues, which can help prevent complications such as rupture of the capsule or damage to the surrounding structures of the eye.

This process is achieved by injecting a balanced salt solution (usually a viscoelastic solution) into the lens, which creates a delineation plane between the nucleus and the surrounding lens capsule. This enhancement in the separation allows for easier phacoemulsification or removal techniques, ultimately contributing to better surgical outcomes and less trauma to the eye.

While considerations like infection risk, surgical visibility, and complete lens removal are important factors in cataract surgery, they do not directly relate to the specific purpose of hydrodelineation, which is primarily targeted towards the separation of lens structures.