A study on the association of A-scan parameters and intraoperative complications during cataract surgery in eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

Abstract

Context: Pseudoexfoliation is a genetically determined condition that causes significant problems during cataract surgery. Although most patients with pseudoexfoliation experience uneventful cataract surgery, complications, when they arise, can be particularly challenging. Therefore, it is crucial to identify those at risk for intraoperative complications during the preoperative assessment.

Purpose: To study the association of preoperative A-scan parameters with intraoperative complications of phacoemulsification in eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

Setting and design: This was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care center in the private sector in South India.

Methods: A retrospective study of 200 eyes of 184 patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome, who underwent phacoemulsification. Preoperative A-scan measurements (IOLMaster700), best-corrected visual acuity, lens status, and pupil sizes were noted. Intraoperative complications were correlated with A-scan parameters.

Statistical analysis: SPSS 26.0 software.

Results: Out of 200 study eyes, 34 eyes (17%) had intraoperative complications. Eyes with less anterior chamber (AC) depth (2.74 ± 0.758 mm) or more lens thickness (4.81 ± 0.565 mm) had a significant association (P < 0.05) with intraoperative complications. There was a 36.8% risk for complications in eyes with <2.5 mm AC depth. Eyes with an increased ratio of axial length to AC depth (8.67 ± 1.517) had more chance of complications.

Conclusions: Caution should be taken in pseudoexfoliation syndrome patients with shallow AC or thick lenses as there is more risk for complications during cataract surgery.