Purpose
To determine the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation and the occurrence of cataract surgery complications in an Ethiopian ancestry sample in the Washington, District of Columbia, Metropolitan area.
Methods
A retrospective chart review of all cataract surgery cases performed in a subset of patients of Ehtiopian descent who presented to the resident eye clinic at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC from September 1, 2011 until September 30, 2012. Demographic data including ethnicity and age at presentation were recorded. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, presence of pseudoexfoliation of the lens capsule, cataract, and glaucomatous optic nerve damage were also recorded. Operative notes were reviewed for occurrence of complications and subsequent surgery to address complications.
Results
Of the 423 patients undergoing cataract surgery from September 1, 2011 until September 30, 2012, there were 26 patients (36 eyes) of Ethiopian descent. Complete data were available for 20 patients (28 eyes). The average age of patients was 66 years, range 53 to 82 years. Sixty-five percent of patients were female. The prevalence of pseudoexfoliation and cataract was 14% and the occurrence of complications, including posterior capsule rupture and vitreous prolapse during cataract surgery and subsequent retinal detachment was 25% for patients with pseudoexfoliation and cataract versus 17% for patients with cataract alone.
Conclusions
The incidence of complications in patients with pseudoexfoliation and cataract is higher than patients with cataract alone for this Ethiopian ancestry sample.