Outcome of Phacoemulsification in patients with and without Pseudoexfoliation syndrome in Kashmir

BACKGROUND The aim of the study is to compare the outcome of phacoemulsification in patients with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome in Kashmir. METHODS 200 patients were prospectively evaluated and divided into 2 groups. Group 1 comprised 100 cases with pseudoexfoliation and Group 2 (control) 100 cases without pseudoexfoliation. Phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation was performed by 3 surgeons. Intraoperative and postoperative observations were made in both the groups at regular intervals upto 6 months. A chi square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Patients with pseudoexfoliation were significantly older (P = 0.000), had harder cataract(P = 0.030) and smaller mean pupil diameter(P = 0.000) than the control group. Intraoperative complications were comparable between the 2 groups except the occurrence of zonular dehiscence which was seen in 7% patients of Group 1 compared to 0% in Group 2. Higher postoperative inflammatory response was seen in Group 1(P = 0.000). Decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) at all postoperative measurements was more in Group 1(P = 0.000). The visual acuity was better in the control group in the early postoperative period (P = 0.029), however the final visual acuity at 6 months was comparable between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS Phacoemulsification in presence of pseudoexfoliation necessitates appropriate surgical technique to avoid intraoperative complications. Pseudoexfoliation is associated with higher inflammatory response, significant postoperative IOP drop and satisfactory visual outcome.