Posterior capsular opacification in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome: a long‐term perspective

Purpose: To compare posterior capsular opacification in patients with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome 6–7 years following surgery. Methods: Forty‐four eyes of 44 patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome who underwent cataract surgery with phacoemulsification in 2001 and 2002 were available for follow‐up in 2008. These patients were compared to 86 age‐ and gender‐matched patients (86 eyes) without pseudoexfoliation syndrome who had surgery during the same time period. Posterior capsule opacification was assessed using digital retroillumination photography. The images were analysed with a software program (POCOman ) to determine the extent and severity of the capsular opacification. Results: Percentage and severity of posterior capsular opacification within the central 4.0 and 1.3 mm of the optical zone were compared in eyes with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Neither of these results were statistically significant. Before the re‐examination in 2008, neodymium:yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet laser posterior capsulotomy had been conducted in 16% (n = 7) of eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome, as well as in 16% (n = 14) of eyes without pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Conclusion: Our study indicates that, with phacoemulsification, development of long‐term posterior capsular opacification is not increased in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome after uncomplicated cataract surgery.