Complications and visual outcome of cataract surgery in pseudoexfoliation patients

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a multifactorial diffuse disease and is diagnosed clinically on slit lamp examination of the eye by the deposition of white, dandruff like material on different structures in anterior segment i:e corneal endothelium, iris, pupillary margin, anterior lens capsule, zonules and trabecular meshwork. The aim of study was to study demographic features, intraoperative and postoperative complications and the visual outcome of cataract surgery in pseudoexfoliation patients. 93 eyes of 93 patients with pseudoexfoliation posted for cataract surgery were included in the study. 79.56% patients were of more than 60 years of age group.43 patients were male and 50 patients were female. 44 patients had pseudoexfoliation syndrome in both eyes and 49 patients had either right eye or left eye involvement. Intraoperative problems encountered were poor pupillary dilatation, capsular bag prolapse, zonular dehiscence, posterior capsular rent, residual cortical matter and positive vitreous pressure. Postoperative complications reported were corneal edema, raised intraocular pressure, significant anterior chamber cell reaction, left cortical matter and exudative membrane. Best corrected visual acuity was more than 6/18 in 67 eyes, between 6/60-6/24 in 16 eyes, and less than 6/60 in 10 eyes. At 1 month, best corrected visual acuity was more than 6/18 in 92 eyes. Cataract surgery in pseudoexfoliation patients is associated with high risk of complications. Use of iris hooks and capsule tension rings where required during the surgery can decrease the intraoperative complications and thus will give better visual outcome.