SMALL PUPIL IN PSEUDOEXFOLIATION: A HINDRANCE FOR CATARACT SURGERY — A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

ABSTRACTThe eyes reveal important social messages, such as emotions and whether a person is aroused and interested or bored and fatigued. A growing body of research has also shown that individuals with large pupils are generally evaluated positively by observers, while those with small pupils are perceived negatively. Here, we examined whether observed pupil size influences approach-avoidance tendencies. Participants performed an Approach-Avoidance Task using faces with large and small pupil sizes. Results showed that pupil size influences the accuracy of arm movements. Specifically, individuals were less prone to approach a face with small pupils than a face with large pupils. Conversely, participants were less prone to avoid a face with large pupils than a face with small pupils. Collectively, these findings suggest that perceivers attend to a facial cue – pupil size – when interacting with others.

Spontaneous late dislocation of intraocular lens within the capsular bag in pseudoexfoliation patients

Aim: Pseudoexfoliation (PXE) is a common and clinically important systemic condition that affects elderly people, who are also likely to undergo cataract surgery. It can cause serious complications during cataract surgery due to the pupillary rigidity and zonular weakness and instability. The purpose of this study was to study the frequency and types of complications of small incision cataract surgery (SICS) and phacoemulsification surgery in patients with cataract and PXE. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 52 eyes of 52 patients with cataract and PXE who underwent SICS or phacoemulsification surgery in a tertiary care hospital. Their perioperative and post-operative complications were documented and analyzed through statistical package for social sciences version 15.0 (IBM). Results: Poor pupillary dilatation in spite of use of standard mydriatic drops and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was the most common finding. This single factor made subsequent steps of surgery very difficult due to poor peripheral visualization. Pupillotomy was done in 25% cases. Other problems encountered were accidental iridodialysis, posterior capsule rupture, vitreous loss, retained cortical matter, decentered intraocular lens and zonular dialysis. Conclusion: Presence of associated PXE in cataract patients significantly increases the risk of vision threatening complications. Use of flexible iris hooks for small pupils and for capsular stability, capsular tension rings and high viscosity viscoelastics are useful modifications of surgical technique for good visual outcome.

Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) in 139 eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome was compared to 762 eyes without pseudoexfoliation syndrome in a consecutive study. Preoperative findings, operative procedure and problems were registered, stored and analyzed in a computer program package. Of the patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome 88.5% were 70 years or older, compared to 67.2% of the patients without pseudoexfoliation syndrome (p < 0.001). Glaucoma occurred in 48.9% of eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and in 6.8% of eyes without pseudoexfoliation syndrome, respectively. Poorly dilated pupil was demonstrated in 46.8% and in 5.8% of eyes with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome, respectively. Capsule/zonulae tears (without vitreous loss) occurred in 4.3% of the pseudoexfoliation syndrome eyes, compared to 1.3% in eyes without pseudoexfoliation syndrome (p < 0.05). The incidence of vitreous loss was similar in both groups. We found no correlation between the pupil size and capsule/zonulae tears or vitreous loss in either group. In conclusion, when appropriate care is undertaken, ECCE with posterior chamber IOL implantation is a safe procedure in pseudoexfoliation syndrome eyes.

This study aimed to compare ocular wavefront aberrations for pupil diameters of 4 mm and 6 mm, and contrast sensitivity, in eyes with AcrySof IQ and AcrySof Natural intraocular lenses (IOLs). Sixty eyes of 60 patients were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. After phacoemulsification the eyes received either AcrySof IQ SN60WF or AcrySof Natural SN60AT IOLs. One month after surgery, all patients underwent complete ophthalmological examination including corneal topography, wavefront analysis for pupil diameters of 4 mm and 6 mm, and contrast sensitivity measurements with the CSV 1000E instrument under photopic and mesopic conditions with and without glare. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in age, sex or other preoperative ocular characteristics (p > 0.05). Patients with AcrySof IQ IOLs had higher contrast sensitivity at 6 c.p.d. under photopic conditions, at 6 c.p.d. and 18 c.p.d. under mesopic conditions, and at 6 c.p.d., 12 c.p.d. and 18 c.p.d. under mesopic conditions with glare (p < 0.05). Corneal spherical aberration was 0.273 ± 0.074 μm in the AcrySof Natural group and 0.294 ± 0.086 μm in the AcrySof IQ group (p = 0489). Ocular spherical aberration was 0.362 ± 0.141 μm and 0.069 ± 0.043 μm (p < 0.001) for 6-mm diameter pupils and 0.143 ± 0.091 μm and 0.017 ± 0.016 μm (p < 0.001) for 4-mm diameter pupils, with AcrySof Natural and AcrySof IQ IOLs, respectively. There were no significant differences in other higher-order aberrations between the groups (p > 0.05). Aspherical AcrySof IQ IOLs significantly reduced spherical aberration for pupil diameters of both 4 mm and 6 mm and also improved contrast sensitivity more than spherical AcrySof Natural IOLs, especially in mesopic conditions.

Our eyes convey information about a person. The pupils may provide information regarding our emotional states when presented along with different emotional expressions. We examined the effects of pupil size and vergence on inferring other people’s characteristics in neutral expression eyes. Pupil sizes were manipulated by overlaying black disks onto the pupils of the original eye images. The disk area was then changed to create small, medium, and large pupils. Vergence was simulated by shifting the medium-sized disks nasally in one eye. Pupil sizes were exaggerated for Experiment 1 and followed values from the literature for Experiment 2. The first Purkinje image from the eye photos in Experiment 2 was kept to preserve image realism. The characteristics measured were sex, age, attractiveness, trustworthiness, intelligence, valence, and arousal. Participants completed one of two online experiments and rated eight eye pictures with differently sized pupils and with vergence eyes. Both experiments were identical except for the stimuli designs. Results from Experiment 1 revealed rating differences between pupil sizes for all characteristics except sex, age, and arousal. Specifically, eyes with extremely small pupil sizes and artificial vergence received the lowest ratings compared to medium and large pupil sizes. Results from Experiment 2 only indicated weak effects of pupil size and vergence, particularly for intelligence ratings. We conclude that the pupils can influence how characteristics of another person are perceived and may be regarded as important social signals in subconscious social interaction processes. However, the effects may be rather small for neutral expressions.

Introduction/Objective. Pseudoexfoliation (PEX) is an age-related systemic disorder, which can affect the whole body, as well as the eye. It is characterized by abnormal production and accumulation of pseudoexfoliative material. When present in the eye, it can cause different difficulties, but most common are PEX glaucoma (XFG) and intraoperative and postoperative complications of cataract surgeries. The aim of this study was to determine an incidence of patients with PEX in two different regions of Serbia. Methods. The study included 7451 patients scheduled for cataract surgery in two regions of Serbia. It was designed as a multicentric, retrospective study with evaluation of the medical records of all patients who underwent cataract surgery. The study evaluated: incidence of PEX syndrome and PEX glaucoma, age, and sex of patients, as well as preoperative antiglaucomatous therapy and intraoperative and postoperative cataract surgery complications. Results. PEX syndrome (XFS)was recorded in 676 patients (407 females and 269 males), while 243 patients had XFS. It represented 3.26% of patients included in the study. Mean age of XFG patients was 78.1 ?} 2.1 years with a statistically significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) among incidence of XFG in females compared to males. Intraoperative and postoperative complications during cataract surgery were significantly common in patients with PEX (p &lt; 0.05) Conclusion. PEX can complicate cataract surgery, while on the other hand XFG is more difficult to treat and control than most other glaucomas. Therefore, patients with PEX require special treatment during follow-up and treatment.

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the eight-chop technique in cataract surgery in patients with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome and assess the intraoperative parameters, changes in corneal endothelial cells, intraocular pressure (IOP), and intraoperative complications. Methods: This technique was applied in patients with and without PEX syndrome. Preoperative and postoperative assessments were conducted on best-corrected visual acuity, IOP, corneal endothelial cell density (CECD), coefficient of variation, percentage of hexagonal cells, and central corneal thickness. Intraoperative recordings included operative time, phaco time, aspiration time, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), and fluid of volume used. Results: We analyzed 150 eyes from 150 patients (mean age, 75.5 ± 5.7 years; 59 men, 91 women). In the PEX group, operative time, phaco time, aspiration time, CDE, and volume of fluid used were 6.7 min, 17.4 s, 85.2 s, 6.91 µJ, and 33.4 mL, respectively, demonstrating favorable surgical metrics. On the other hand, in the control group, operative time, phaco time, aspiration time, CDE, and volume of fluid used were 4.5 min, 14.3 s, 64.0 s, 5.83 µJ, and 25.5 mL, respectively. In addition, CECD losses were 3.7% at week 7 and 2.7% at week 19 in the PEX group and 2.7% and 1.6%, respectively, in the control group. Significant decreases were observed at 7 and 19 weeks postoperatively in the PEX and control groups. No eye in the PEX group required a capsular tension ring due to zonular dialysis. Conclusion: The eight-chop technique in cataract surgery demonstrates excellent intraoperative parameters in patients with PEX, is effective against zonular weakness, and does not require the use of a capsular tension ring. This technique will aid in establishing personalized treatment strategies and improve cataract management and treatment.

Aim: To evaluate demographic characteristics, intraoperative problems and postoperative complications of cataract surgery in patients with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome Material and Method: The files of patients who underwent cataract surgery in the last 1 year were retrospectively scanned and 147 eyes of 130 patients with PEX were included. Examination findings were obtained from medical records retrospectively with information on surgery and postoperative follow-up information. Patients were divided into 2 groups with and without PEX. Preoperative and postoperative visual acuities, intraocular pressure(IOP), pupil dilatation, presence of zone weakness, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and patients with and without glaucoma were noted separately. Results: Among the patients included in the study were 71 men (54.6%) and 59 women (45.4%). The mean age man was 68,62 ± 8,04 the mean age of women was 67,84 ± 9,64 for females. There was an increase in visual acuity in both groups when compared with the best corrected visual acuity before and after surgery (p<0.001). The postoperative IOP values of the patients were significantly higher statistically significantly lower than preoperative values (p<0.001). The most common preoperative problem was weak dilatation of the pupil, which was 81.75% (n: 112) in all eyes. Conclusion: There are many factors that complicate cataract surgery in patients with PEX, and surgeons should be aware of the potential complications of cataract surgery in these patients.

Pseudoexfoliation is a genetically determined condition that causes significant problems during cataract surgery. Although most patients with pseudoexfoliation experience uneventful cataract surgery, complications, when they arise, can be particularly challenging. Therefore, it is crucial to identify those at risk for intraoperative complications during the preoperative assessment. To study the association of preoperative A-scan parameters with intraoperative complications of phacoemulsification in eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. This was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care center in the private sector in South India. A retrospective study of 200 eyes of 184 patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome, who underwent phacoemulsification. Preoperative A-scan measurements (IOLMaster700), best-corrected visual acuity, lens status, and pupil sizes were noted. Intraoperative complications were correlated with A-scan parameters. SPSS 26.0 software. Out of 200 study eyes, 34 eyes (17%) had intraoperative complications. Eyes with less anterior chamber (AC) depth (2.74 ± 0.758 mm) or more lens thickness (4.81 ± 0.565 mm) had a significant association (P < 0.05) with intraoperative complications. There was a 36.8% risk for complications in eyes with <2.5 mm AC depth. Eyes with an increased ratio of axial length to AC depth (8.67 ± 1.517) had more chance of complications. Caution should be taken in pseudoexfoliation syndrome patients with shallow AC or thick lenses as there is more risk for complications during cataract surgery.

To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) control in eyes with or without clear corneal phacoemulsification following trabeculectomy. The study group included 30 eyes that underwent uneventful clear corneal phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens implantation following trabeculectomy without antimetabolites. Thirty eyes that had undergone filtering surgery without cataract extraction were selected as controls. Case and control groups were matched with respect to age, gender, IOP, number of glaucoma medications, glaucoma type (primary open-angle glaucoma/pseudoexfoliative glaucoma), trabeculectomy time and follow-up. Comparisons between the study and control groups (intergroup) and within the same group at different time-points (intragroup) were performed for IOP, glaucoma medications and bleb morphology. Success rates were investigated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the factors influencing final success by logistic regression. Intraocular pressure (p = 0.04) and glaucoma medications (p = 0.001) increased during an average follow-up of 26.1 +/- 9.9 months in both groups. Intragroup differences became statistically significant after the 6-month visit, but intergroup differences remained insignificant. Bleb height decreased significantly following phacoemulsification in the study group (p = 0.017). Success rates decreased with time in both groups, with no intergroup difference (p = 0.46). The final success rate was negatively correlated with IOP and number of glaucoma medications used at the study entry, while there was a positive correlation between the baseline and final success rates. Trabeculectomy success decreased in a time-dependent manner in eyes with and without subsequent phacoemulsification. Uncomplicated clear corneal phacoemulsification was not found to have any additional unfavorable influence on IOP control in eyes with filtering blebs.

Objectives: To investigate the clinical characteristics of cataract patients with small pupils and to evaluate the result of cataract surgery on the eye have small pupils by phacotechnique. Subjects and methods: Descriptive study, prospective, uncontrolled interventions. Sample selection. The sample size of 70 patients with 70 eyes of cataracts with small pupils was treated by phaco technique and intraocular lens implant within posterior chamber. Follow up to 3 months. Results: 70 eyes, the percentage of men and women was not different from 54.2% (38 male) compared to 45.8% (32 female). The mean age was 80 ± 8.74, from 58 to 99 years. The disease was mainly found in the age group over 70 years old with over 80% (51.5%). Visual acuity before surgery was very poor under 3m CF (count finger) for 68.6% (48/70). Visual acuity over 1/10 was only a small amount with 2.8% (2 eyes). Pseudoexfoliation was the most common reason complications of mydriasis with 32/70 eyes (45.7%) and 22/70 eyes (31.4%) for age. The preoperative pupilarysizewas mostly small with 63/70 eyes (90.0%), non-dilated pupils (7/70 eyes) (10.0%). Average pupil size was 3.34 mm (2 - 4mm). Iris condition: iris atrophy 20/10 eyes (28.6%), iris synechiae 11/10 (15.7%), irregular iris muscle with 51, 4% and good iris muscle accounted for 48.6%. Grade of cataract: Grade III: 31/70 eyes (44.3%), Grade IV: 32/70 eyes (45.7%), Grade II: 5/70 eyes (7.1%) and V:2/70 eyes (2.9%). Pupil expander technique: OVD injection with 42/70 eyes (60%), using iris hook with 23/70 eyes (32.9%). Pupillary size before and after intervention has changed from 3.7mm to 4.48mm. Conclusions: Iris expander techniques have been shown to have good dilated pupils: 60.0% OVD injection, iris hook was 32.9%, other methods 7.1% One-week visibility of good visual acuity was higher than that of postoperative one day (12.2%) and increased at 1 month and 3 months (20.0%). Very good visual acuity was not available and low vision group was 1.4% after 3 months. Key words: cataract surgery; phacoemusification, small pupil

To evaluate the effect of preoperative Alprazolam on complications of phacoemulsification cataract surgery, duration of surgery and early reoperation rate. Records of 1026 eyes of 1026 consecutive patients underwent phacoemulsification with topical and intracameral anesthesia between 2016 and 2020years were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups, with or without using Alprazolam before surgery. Patients with planned first-time surgery for senile cataract and at least three months follow-up postoperatively were included. Those who had pseudoexfoliation, small pupil, zonular weakness, corneal and hearing problem as well as traumatic, brown, mature, hypermature, and posterior polar cataracts were excluded. Main outcome measures were duration of surgery, posterior capsule rupture, rapid posterior capsule opacification (PCO) formation requiring the neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and reoperation rate in early postoperative periods. Alprazolam and control groups included 490 and 536 eyes, respectively. Mean surgical time was shorter in Alprazolam group (10.2 ± 3 versus 12.2 ± 4min; < 0.001). Rate of posterior capsule rupture was higher in control group (4 versus 15 eyes; = 0.02). Four eyes (0.8%) in control group underwent unplanned secondary surgical procedures in early postoperative period (P = 0.126). Rate of rapid PCO formation was higher in control group (1 versus 9 eyes; = 0.027). Using Alprazolam before phacoemulsification can lead to less posterior capsule rupture, short operation time and prevent repetitive surgery. It also reduces rapid PCO formation and, thus, early Nd:YAG laser intervention due to better cleaning the posterior capsule during surgery. We conclude that Alprazolam not only reduces intraoperative complications, but also facilitates their management.

Background: Proteostasis impairment is central to cellular dysfunction in protein aggregation disorders such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and age-related macular degeneration. Pseudoexfoliation (PEX), a systemic age-related disorder and a leading cause of secondary glaucoma, is increasingly recognized as a protein aggregation disease. It is characterized by the deposition of pseudoexfoliative material (PEXM) in ocular tissues, leading to elevated intraocular pressure and optic neuropathy.Objective: This review synthesizes current evidence on the role of proteostasis failure in PEX pathogenesis, with a focus on molecular mechanisms, stress response pathways, and potential therapeutic interventions.Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature review of studies examining proteostasis mechanisms in PEX. Emphasis was placed on cellular pathways regulating protein synthesis, folding, and degradation, including the unfolded protein response (UPR), ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS), and autophagy, as well as environmental and aging-related triggers of proteotoxic stress.Results: Evidence indicates that chronic proteotoxic stress, arising from aging, oxidative damage, and environmental influences, disrupts the proteostasis network (PN). Dysregulation of ER stress signaling, cytosolic stress responses, and protein degradation pathways contributes to the accumulation of misfolded proteins and extracellular matrix deposits in ocular tissues. These molecular alterations underlie disease onset and progression in PEX syndrome (PEXS) and PEX glaucoma (PEXG).Conclusions: Proteostasis dysfunction plays a pivotal role in PEX pathogenesis by promoting protein misfolding, aggregation, and extracellular deposition. Targeting the proteostasis network, through modulation of stress responses and enhancement of degradation pathways, represents a promising therapeutic strategy for PEXS and PEXG.

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is characterized by the deposition of proteinaceous material in the anterior ocular segment (resulting in ophthalmic pathologies such as glaucoma and increased risk of complications in cataract surgery), but also by several systemic manifestations. The involvement of peri-ocular tissues in PEX, including the eyelid skin, lacrimal gland, conjunctiva, orbital fat and vessels, as well as the optic nerve, has been reported by several previous studies. The peri-ocular effects of PEX include the development of eyelid laxity, conjunctival chalasis, tear film abnormalities, pronounced orbital fat atrophy in response to the administration of prostaglandin analogues in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, deficient orbital vascular supply and biomechanical changes in both the eyeball and the optic nerve. These effects may have important clinical implications, including increased difficulty in cataract surgery, ocular surface disease and eyelid margin malpositions.