PSEUDOEXFOLIATION SYNDROME AND EXTRACAPSULAR CATARACT-EXTRACTION

Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) in 139 eyes with pseudoexfoli ation syndrome was compared to 762 eyes without pseudoexfoliation synd rome in a consecutive study. Preoperative findings, operative procedur e and problems were registered, stored and analyzed in a computer prog ram package. Of the patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome 88.5% wer e 70 years or older, compared to 67.2% of the patients without pseudoe xfoliation syndrome (p < 0.001). Glaucoma occurred in 48.9% of eyes wi th pseudoexfoliation syndrome and in 6.8% of eyes without pseudoexfoli ation syndrome, respectively. Poorly dilated pupil was demonstrated in 46.8% and in 5.8% of eyes with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome , respectively. Capsule/zonulae tears (without vitreous loss) occurred in 4.3% of the pseudoexfoliation syndrome eyes, compared to 1.3% in e yes without pseudoexfoliation syndrome (p < 0.05). The incidence of vi treous loss was similar in both groups. We found no correlation betwee n the pupil size and capsule/zonulae tears or vitreous loss in either group. In conclusion, when appropriate care is undertaken, ECCE with p osterior chamber IOL implantation is a safe procedure in pseudoexfolia tion syndrome eyes.