Long-term disorders of the blood-aqueous barrier after small-incision cataract surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the long-term function of the blood-aqueous barrier after small-incision cataract surgery with implantation of a foldable intraocular lens.


METHODS
The blood-aqueous barrier function in 74 eyes of 62 patients who underwent cataract surgery was examined using a laser flare-cell meter. The measurements were performed pre-operatively and post-operatively between 12 and 35 months after surgery. For statistical analysis a linear regression was used. The study was designed as a single cohort study, with comparison of pre- and post-operative values.


RESULTS
Highly statistically significant differences (p < 0.0001) were found between pre-operative flare values and those measured at the final visit. The linear regression model showed significantly higher flare values post-operatively compared with those measured pre-operatively. Other variables such as incision technique, sex, operation time, phaco time and systemic disease had no influence on this outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that there is persistent blood-aqueous barrier dysregulation even several years after cataract surgery.
Schauersberger
J
J
Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Vienna, Austria. joerg.schauersberger@akh-wien.ac.at
Kruger
A
A
Müllner-Eidenböck
A
A
Petternel
V
V
Abela
C
C
Svolba
G
G
Amon
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018916:Blood-Aqueous Barrier / Q000502:physiology*; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012307:Risk Factors