RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTRAOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS OF CATARACT SURGERY AND AXIAL LENGTH: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
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Keywords
Axial Length, Cataract Surgery, Intraoperative Complications, Posterior Capsule Rent, Iris Prolapse.
Abstract
Background
Axial length variation influences cataract surgery outcomes and complication rates. This study evaluates intraoperative complications across three axial length groups (<21mm, 22-25mm, >25mm).
Methods
A retrospective analysis of 84 eyes from 84 patients who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation between January 2023 and December 2024. Patients were grouped by axial length: Group A (<21mm), Group B (22-25mm), and Group C (>25mm). Main outcomes included intraoperative complications.
Results
Group A had significantly higher complication rates (75%) compared to Groups B (18%) and C (32%) (p<0.001). The most frequent complications in Group A were iris prolapse, posterior capsule (PC) rent, and Descemet's membrane tears. Normal intraoperative findings were observed in 25% of Group A, 82% of Group B, and 68% of Group C.
Conclusion
Cataract surgery in short eyes (axial length <21mm) poses greater intraoperative challenges and higher complication rates. Adequate preoperative planning and experienced surgical hands are essential in such cases.
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Dr. Athmika R.
Junior Resident, Department of Ophthalmology, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar, Karnataka, India.
Dr. Sangeetha T.
Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar, Karnataka, India.
Dr. Narendran B.S.
Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar, Karnataka, India.