Posters

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome: a cause for easier hydrodissection?

Poster Details

First Author: K.Sorkou GREECE

Co Author(s):    M. Manthou   K. Tsaousis   M. Dermenoudi   A. Gkartzonikas   S. Dimitrakos   I. Tsinopoulos

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is known to cause complications during and after phacoemulsification. Nevertheless, it has been clinically perceived that hydrodissection is performed more easily in patients with PEX. The present study aims to examine via electron microscopy the anterior lens capsule and to compare the findings in patients with and without PEX.

Setting:

2nd Department of Ophthalmology - Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Methods:

Eleven patients with cataract, older than 60 years, were included in the study. Five of them also suffered from pseudoexfoliation syndrome, whereas the others constituted the control group. Anterior capsules were obtained from patients during phacoemulsification, applying continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis, and then they were examined by transmission electron microscope.

Results:

In PEX group, in addition to the typical fibrillar material in the basement membrane of the lens capsule, as it is described in the literature, another unknown, micro-granular, electron-dense, unbound material beneath the lens epithelium was observed. Moreover, cellular parts being detached from the epithelial cells were recognized, along with degenerative lesions of the epithelium of various severity. The cell membrane of the epithelium cells on their top-free side was found to be thicker or ruptured, with deposits of electron-dense material.

Conclusions:

The epithelium of the anterior lens capsule in patients with PEX, exhibited a highly irregular and rough margin in its free side, which, probably, leads to loose contact with the lens lying beneath. This may results in easier detachment of the lens capsule from the underlying lens cortex during hydrodissection, explaining, justifying and corroborating the initial clinical observation. FINANCIAL DISCLOUSRE: NONE