Pseudoexfoliation and the cataract surgeon: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative issues related to intraocular pressure, cataract, and intraocular lenses

Abstract

This review provides a comprehensive assessment of intraocular pressure (IOP), phacoemulsification techniques, and intraocular lenses (IOLs) in pseudoexfoliation (PXF) eyes having cataract surgery. Pseudoexfoliation is ubiquitous and the most common cause for open-angle glaucoma worldwide. Cataracts occur with increased frequency in PXF eyes, and surgery is potentially complicated by the presence of small pupils and zonule laxity and significantly affects IOP in these eyes. Preoperative evaluation and the options for intraoperative management of cataract are presented with recommendations for the use of adjunctive pupil and zonule support devices. Postoperative complications such as capsule contraction and IOL instability are discussed and laser and surgical options to manage these special problems presented.