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.