Refractive precision in uncomplicated eyes with pseudoexfoliation: three-piece versus one-piece intraocular lens implantation

PURPOSE To evaluate the refractive precision of three-piece versus one-piece intraocular lenses (IOLs) in eyes with pseudoexfoliation (PXF) and changes in anterior chamber depth (ACD) following cataract surgery. METHODS This prospective, nonrandomized, interventional, comparative case series included PXF eyes, which were implanted with one-piece acrylic IOL or three-piece acrylic IOLs (Group A; n = 31, Group B; n = 30). Non-PXF control eyes were implanted with one-piece acrylic IOL (Group C; n = 30). Postoperative refractive error (RE) and absolute RE, as well as pre- to postoperative ACD changes, were statistically analysed. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Changes in ACD (mean ± standard deviation) in Groups A, B and C were 0.9 ± 0.4, 1.0 ± 0.3 and 0.7 ± 0.4 mm, respectively. Significant differences were found between Groups A and C (p = 0.043) and between Groups B and C (p = 0.008). In Groups A, B and C, the median and interquartile (Q1 to Q3) values were 0.3 (-0.8 to 1.0), -0.5 (-0.8 to -0.3) and 0.1 (-0.4 to 0.3) for RE and 1.0 (0.4 to 1.3), 0.5 (0.3 to 0.8) and 0.3 (0.3 to 0.5) for absolute RE, respectively. The RE differences between Group A and B (p = 0.009) and Group B and C (p < 0.001) were statistically significant. For absolute RE, the differences were significant for all comparisons (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Refractive precision in PXF eyes may be better with three-piece than with one-piece IOL implantation, but worse than with one-piece IOL implantation in non-PXF eyes. Significant changes in ACD in PXF eyes may be related to RE.