Visual Axis Opacification After Canine Cataract Surgery Combined With Posterior Continuous Curvilinear Capsulorhexis

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate factors influencing the development of visual axis opacification (VAO) after canine cataract surgery when combined with posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (PCCC).

We analyzed the medical records of 825 eyes that underwent cataract surgery between January 2021 and February 2024. During this period, PCCC was performed when the posterior capsule was found to be opaque intraoperatively. VAO was assessed at multiple postoperative time points (1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months). We evaluated factors influencing the development of VAO.

PCCC was required in 13% (107/825) of eyes. Only eyes with VAO assessments available for at least 90 days postoperatively (94 eyes) were included in the analysis. VAO tended to be higher in lower cataract stages, and this difference was statistically significant at 3, 6, and 12 months, and at 18 months, but not at 24 months. Eyes with postoperative fibrin formation exhibited significantly higher VAO values than those without fibrin at 3, 6, and 12 months, and at 18 months, but not at 24 months. VAO tended to be lower in older animals and in those with diabetes; however, these differences were not statistically significant at any postoperative time point.

PCCC is a safe and effective technique for removing pre-existing posterior capsular opacity during canine cataract surgery. Lower cataract stages and postoperative fibrin formation were associated with increased VAO following PCCC, whereas diabetic status and age did not have a significant effect on VAO.