An elderly patient presents with a white cataract in which the cortex has liquefied and the brown nucleus has sunk to the bottom of the capsular bag, giving a milk-like fluid appearance with a mobile nucleus. Which term describes this stage of cataract?
- A Morgagnian cataract ✓
- B Mature senile cataract
- C Posterior subcapsular cataract
- D Nuclear sclerosis grade IV
Correct answer: A. Morgagnian cataract
Explanation
In a Morgagnian cataract, the hypermature cortical fibres liquefy into an opaque milky fluid and the denser nucleus sinks inferiorly within the capsule, sometimes visible moving with head position. B mature cataract is completely opaque but the cortex has not liquefied and the nucleus remains in position, which is the feature that separates it from a Morgagnian cataract.
Reference: Parsons' Diseases of the Eye, 23rd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.