PURPOSE: To identify aspects of the image test to arrive at the sure diagnosis of intumescent white cataract. METHODS: Two groups of eyes with white and nigra cataracts were studied using clinical and laboratorial criteria. RESULTS: The width of the lens > 5.36mm and its spherical aspect are the two data that provided us with a sure diagnosis of intumescent white cataract. CONCLUSION: The use of the image test provides data for the sure diagnosis of intumescent white cataract.