[Cataract and the exfoliative syndrome]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Exfoliation syndrome is prevalent in older individuals.
• It is a significant risk factor for cataract surgery.
• Associated ocular diseases were excluded in this study cohort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of exfoliation syndrome in patients with lens opacity.
• To present treatment strategies for patients with exfoliation syndrome and cataracts.
• To highlight the risks and management of intra- and postoperative complications.

Main Methods:

• Clinical trial involving 436 patients with lens transparency issues.
• Patient data collected between January 1995 and January 1997.
• Exfoliation syndrome diagnosis confirmed through clinical and paraclinical examinations.

Main Results:

• Exfoliation syndrome was identified in 14% of patients with lens opacity.
• Secondary glaucoma developed in 50% of patients with exfoliation syndrome during follow-up.
• Patients with exfoliation syndrome and cataracts faced elevated intra- and postoperative complication risks.

Conclusions:

• Exfoliation syndrome is a notable finding in patients undergoing cataract evaluation.
• Management requires careful consideration due to high complication rates.
• Extracapsular cataract extraction with peripheral iridectomy is recommended for surgical cases.