Risk factors for posterior capsule rupture in mature cataract surgery: A study of 1302 cases

PURPOSE: To identify the risk factors predisposing posterior capsule rupture (PCR) during mature cataract surgery. METHODS: A total of 1302 consecutive mature cataract cases were included in this retrospective study. A detailed examination was performed for each patient and risk factors including age, gender, systemic diseases, ocular comorbidities, surgeon, and surgery method were recorded. Cases with PCR during surgery were classified as complicated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with a generalized estimating equations method was applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The overall rate of PCR was 7.30% (n=95 eyes). After adjusting for confounders, factors that remained significant on multivariate analysis were strabismus (odds ratio [OR]: 5.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.17–14.97; P < 0.001), phacodonesis (OR: 4.62, 95% CI: 2.59–8.22; P < 0.001), history of trauma (OR: 4.46, 95% CI: 1.64–12.12; P = 0.003), surgery method (extracapsular cataract extraction/phacoemulsification) (OR: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.60–4.26; P < 0.001), and pseudoexfoliation (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.20–3.16; P = 0. 007). CONCLUSION: Strabismus, phacodonesis, history of trauma, extracapsular cataract extraction method, and pseudoexfoliation were found to be important risk factors for developing PCR. Appropriate preoperative and perioperative precautions for these higher-risk cases can reduce complications.