Posterior capsule opacification in eyes with steroid-induced cataracts: Comparison of early results

To evaluate posterior capsule opacification (PCO) development after cataract surgery in eyes with or without a history of steroid use.

Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, India.

Comparative case series.

This study comprised consecutive patients with a history of steroid intake (oral, inhaled, injectable, or topical) for at least 4 months who developed posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) (study group) and patients without a history of steroid intake with uncomplicated PSC (control group). Standardized surgery was performed in both groups. Digital retroillumination photographic documentation was performed 1 month and 1 year postoperatively. The digital images were analyzed for PCO using Evaluation of Posterior Capsule Opacification (EPCO) software; the entire intraocular lens (IOL) optic and the central 3.0 mm optic area were evaluated. The EPCO score and EPCO area were determined.

One year postoperatively, the mean EPCO score was statistically significantly higher in the study group (n = 30) than in the control group (n = 60) (0.33 ± 0.37 [SD] versus 0.15 ± 0.26), as was the mean EPCO area (0.323 ± 0.36 versus 0.15 ± 0.26) (both P<.04). Within the central 3.0 mm optic area, the mean EPCO scores (0.149 ± 0.309 versus 0.003 ± 0.016 P<.04) and mean EPCO area values (0.149 ± 0.309 versus 0.003 ± 0.016) were statistically significantly higher in the study group (P<.04).

Steroid-induced PSC was associated with a higher risk for PCO after cataract surgery at the 1-year follow-up.

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.