Cataract surgeons need to be aware of pseudoexfoliation syndrome, a systemic basement membrane disorder that compromises the structural integrity of the lens suspension system, pupil dilation and aqueous outflow pathways.For the experienced surgeon, success is found in anticipating zonular failure before it becomes an intraoperative crisis. By focusing on a few critical pearls identified during the key stages of the procedure, a surgeon can navigate these high-risk cases with the same predictability as a routine operation.Success in a pseudoexfoliation case begins at the slit lamp microscope