Evaluation of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in eyes undergoing cataract surgery in tertiary care centre of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Background: Pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome, an age related microfibrillopathy having varied prevalence and associated with dense cataract, poorly dilating pupil resulting in challenging cataract surgeries. The present study aimed to evaluate pseudoexfoliation syndrome in eyes undergoing cataract surgery in tertiary care centre of Uttarakhand. Materials and methods: A hospital based prospective study carried out from January 2021 to June 2022 and approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee. A total of 1000 eyes of 1000 patients to be operated underwent complete ophthalmic evaluation including refraction, tonometry, gonioscopy, slit lamp biomicroscopy for presence of pseudoexfoliation, cataract grading, and fundus examination. Patients with PEX were diagnosed and data analysed. Results: A total of 54 PEX cases were diagnosed with 29 (53.7%) males and 25(46.3%) were females having mean age of 67.48 + 9.79 years, mean CCT was 528.46 + 18.49 micron and mean IOP was 19.81 + 5.88 mmHg. Prior to cataract surgery, an IOP of more than 21 mm Hg was noted in 40.7% (n=54) of pseudoexfoliative eyes. PXM on pupillary margin present in 51 (94.4%), on anterior lens capsule in 37 (68.5%), on iris in 31 (57.4%), on cornea in 5 (9.3%), phacodonesis in 6 (11.1%), Iris transillumination defect in 3 (5.6%), PXM on trabecular meshwork in 24 (44.4%) and sampaolesi line in 13 (24.1%). Conclusion: PEX presents challenges that necessitate thorough preoperative planning for a safe surgery and a satisfactory postoperative result. Therefore, dilated anterior segment evaluation should be emphasised in daily practise to avoid early PEX patients from being undiagnosed.