Prevalence and clinical findings of tamsulosin-associated intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome

To determine the prevalence of patients taking tamsulosin and the appearance of intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome (IFIS) and associated cataract surgery complications.

District general eye unit with 10 consultants in West Midlands, England, United Kingdom.

This nonrandomized observational prospective study identified patients on tamsulosin from the preoperative assessment for cataract surgery performed between March and August 2005. A questionnaire on the presence of IFIS and related intraoperative complications was attached to the patients' records and answered on the day of surgery.

Of the 2390 cataract procedures performed, 15 patients (17 eyes) were taking tamsulosin. Five eyes (30%) displayed all 3 characteristics of IFIS, 6 (35%) displayed some of the characteristics, and 6 (35%) did not display any IFIS feature. Adjustment in the surgical technique was necessary in 2 eyes. One case had zonular dehiscence.

The prevalence of tamsulosin intake was lower in this study's English population than that reported in the U.S. literature. The duration of tamsulosin intake did not appear to correlate with the severity of IFIS, and the overall complication rate was low.