Which cataract type is defined by liquefaction of the cortex with sinking of the dense nucleus?

Which cataract type is defined by liquefaction of the cortex with sinking of the dense nucleus?

• A. Liquefaction of cortex with sinking of the dense nucleus
• B. Hypermutable nucleus
• C. Sclerotic lens with firm nucleus
• D. Cortical clouding without nucleus sinking

Answer: (A)

This question tests recognizing the hypermature cataract stage, where the cortex liquefies and the nucleus sinks. In a hypermature (Morgagnian) cataract, the cortical material degenerates and becomes a liquefied fluid, while the dense nucleus remains intact. The weight of the dense nucleus causes it to settle downward inside the capsule, giving the appearance of a sunk nucleus. This combination of cortex liquefaction and nucleus descent is the defining feature of this stage. Other descriptions fit different maturation stages: a cortex that remains cloudy without liquefaction or sinking refers to an immature cataract; a lens with a firm, non-liquefied nucleus describes a non-hypermature, sclerotic lens; and a description focusing on a hypermutable nucleus doesn’t align with standard cataract maturation terminology.

This question tests recognizing the hypermature cataract stage, where the cortex liquefies and the nucleus sinks. In a hypermature (Morgagnian) cataract, the cortical material degenerates and becomes a liquefied fluid, while the dense nucleus remains intact. The weight of the dense nucleus causes it to settle downward inside the capsule, giving the appearance of a sunk nucleus. This combination of cortex liquefaction and nucleus descent is the defining feature of this stage.

Other descriptions fit different maturation stages: a cortex that remains cloudy without liquefaction or sinking refers to an immature cataract; a lens with a firm, non-liquefied nucleus describes a non-hypermature, sclerotic lens; and a description focusing on a hypermutable nucleus doesn’t align with standard cataract maturation terminology.