Pseudoexfoliation syndrome and extracapsular cataract extraction

Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) in 139 eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome was compared to 762 eyes without pseudoexfoliation syndrome in a consecutive study. Preoperative findings, operative procedure and problems were registered, stored and analyzed in a computer program package. Of the patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome 88.5% were 70 years or older, compared to 67.2% of the patients without pseudoexfoliation syndrome (p < 0.001). Glaucoma occurred in 48.9% of eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and in 6.8% of eyes without pseudoexfoliation 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 eyes without pseudoexfoliation syndrome (p < 0.05). The incidence of vitreous loss was similar in both groups. We found no correlation between the pupil size and capsule/zonulae tears or vitreous loss in either group. In conclusion, when appropriate care is undertaken, ECCE with posterior chamber IOL implantation is a safe procedure in pseudoexfoliation syndrome eyes.