ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To define the frequency of development of pupillary membranes after ECCE with PC-IOL implantation, and to remove the pupillary membranes using the Nd:YAG laser. METHODS: From 400 patients who had undergone ECCE and were free from local or systemic illness affecting the blood-ocular barrier, 20 eyes developed pupillary membranes Nd:YAG laser was used to remove these pupillary membranes. RESULTS: The frequency of pupillary membranes was found to be 5% (9.8% in pex eyes and 3.3% to the non-pex eyes). Visual acuity improved in 17 eyes by 2 to 5 Snellen lines. No serious complications were observed, endothelium inclusive. CONCLUSION: Pseudoexfoliation might play a significant role in the development of postoperative pupillary membranes which could be successfully treated with the use of Nd:YAG laser. The safety of the procedure has to be evaluated in relation to the corneal endothelium damage in long-term.
Subject(s)
Cataract Extraction/adverse effects , Iris Diseases/surgery , Laser Therapy , Postoperative Complications/surgery , Pupil , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cell Count , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Iris Diseases/etiology , Iris Diseases/pathology , Lens Implantation, Intraocular/adverse effects , Male , Membranes/surgery , Reoperation , Visual AcuityABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the pseudoexfoliation (PEX) prevalence in the island of Crete (Greece). METHOD: Organized visits to various villages, to examine a predetermined number of people born and living in these villages, in collaboration with the local birth register offices. RESULTS: PEX prevalence in Crete, in people aged 40 years and more, was found to be 16.1% (men: 21.3%, women: 12.6% - Prefecture of: Heraklion 11.5%, Chania 13.4%, Lasithi 16.9%, Rethymnon 27%). 28.8% of PEX-patients presented IOP > 21 mmHg. In unilateral PEX-patients, mean IOP of PEX-eyes was found to be 17.82 mmHg versus 15.6 mmHg in fellow eyes. CONCLUSION: PEX prevalence was higher in men than in women and increases with age, as does bilaterality. A correlation between increased PEX prevalence and high altitude may exist. PEX is a risk factor for the development of IOP disturbances which seem to appear earlier in women.
