Cataract Surgery in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome in Olmsted County, Minnesota

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To determine the rate of complications of cataract surgery in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Methods: Records of the Rochester Epidemiology Project were used to identify newly diagnosed cases of pseudoexfoliation syndrome among residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota from 1976-1991. Those patients having cataract surgery were identified. Records were reviewed for intra-operative complications of zonular rupture, posterior capsule tear, vitreous loss, or dropped lens material, and the post-operative complication of lens dislocation. Records were also reviewed for intraocular pressure both preoperatively and at 6-8 weeks post-op. Results: 290 patients were identified as having newly diagnosed PEX during the study period. In these 290 patients, 220 eyes underwent cataract surgery. The 15-year cumulative probability of cataract surgery was 74% (95% CI 65-80%). Of 220 eyes undergoing cataract surgery, 64 (29%) were in fellow eyes unaffected by PEX. 18 cases (8.2%) had one or more intra-operative complications. Zonular rupture occurred in 11 cases (5.0%). Posterior capsule tear occurred in 8 cases (3.6%). Vitreous loss occurred in 12 cases (5.5%). There were 2 lens dislocations observed post-operatively (0.9%). Median follow-up was 3.6 years. The average IOP pre-op was 18±5, while the average IOP at 6-8 weeks after surgery was 15±4. Conclusions: In a defined population, the overall rate of intra-operative complications in cataract surgery in patients with PEX was 8.2%. There were 2 cases of lens dislocation post-op.

Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: out • cataract • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: out