The Effect of Uneventful Phacoemulsification on Intraocular Pressure and Anterior Segment Parameters in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cataract surgery on anterior segment parameters and intraocular pressure (IOP) in non-glaucomatous pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) eyes.
METHODS: The cohort consisted of 65 patients who were to undergo cataract surgery; the participants were divided into 2 groups: patients with PXS (n=35) and controls without PXS (n=30). A complete ophthalmic examination, measurement of IOP (using an applanation tonometer), and evaluation of anterior segment parameters using a Sirius Scheimpflug/Placido topography device (CSO Italy, Firenze, Italy) were performed on all patients both prior to and 1 month after surgery.
RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between groups in terms of preoperative IOP, pupil diameter, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), iridocorneal angle (ICA), or corneal volume (CV) values. A reduction in the postoperative mean IOP value was noted in both groups, with a difference of slightly >2 mmHg in the PXS group (PXS: p=0.000, control: p=0.002). Postoperatively, a statistically significant increase was observed in both groups in the ACD, ICA, ACV, and CV measurements. When comparing the preoperative and postoperative differences of the groups, the only parameter noted to be statistically significantly different was postoperative widening of the ICA. A greater degree of widening was noted in the PXS group (13.83±6.06°) compared with the control group (10.47±6.69°) (p=0.039).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: IOP values decreased and ACD values increased significantly following phacoemulsification in the PXS and the normal eyes. These findings support results reported in the literature. However, the results related to ICA changes are a new, previously unreported contribution. To more fully comprehend the effects of cataract surgery on patients with PXS in terms of ICA changes, prospective studies with a larger cohort are needed.