Cataract surgery in pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Phacoemulsification is a main method of cataract surgery. The presence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) may involve the procedure in difficulty and contribute to development of intra- and postoperative complications. Purpose. To assess the effect of PEX on phacoemulsification. Materials and methods. 1010 patients (580 with PEX and 430 without PEX) admitted for cataract surgery, underwent phacoemulsification with implantation of various IOL types. An analysis of main phacoemulsification parameters was carried out: cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), aspirated BSS amount, time of surgery. The prevalence of some possible intraoperative complications was assessed: descemet membrane detachment, posterior capsule rupture, retrolental lens material, and zonular dialysis. Results. In patients with PEХ, local descemet membrane detachment and retrolental lens material were significantly more common, at the same time CDE was higher. Conclusion. When planning phacoemulsification, patients with PEX require more thorough preoperative examination, higher alertness during surgery and longer follow-up in the postoperative period.