Visual outcome following extracapsular cataract extraction in mature cataracts with pseudoexfoliation syndrome: A retrospective study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: To report the best corrected visual acuity, at the end of one year, in 33 patients (35 eyes), who underwent extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation (PC-IOL) for mature and hypermature cataracts, with pseudoexfoliation (PEX). DESIGN: Retrospective, non-comparative, single-institutional (Sultan Qaboos University Hospital) study. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-three patients with mature and hypermature cataracts, with PEX operated upon between January 2007 and December 2008, by one surgeon (AM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of thirty-three patients (35 eyes) with mature and hypermature cataracts, with ocular PEX, evaluating the visual outcome at the end of 12 months following ECCE with PC-IOL. RESULTS: Thirty eyes (85.71%) showed improvement in the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 Snellen lines. Four eyes (11.43%) had unchanged BCVA from the baseline. There were no intraoperative complications in any patient. One eye (2.86%) that did not improve developed retinal detachment at three months follow-up, and was referred to the Vireoretinal Unit and follow-up has been lost. CONCLUSION: Extracapsular cataract extraction is a safe and effective technique in eyes with mature and hypermature cataracts with PEX.