Long-term disorders of the blood-aqueous barrier after small-incision cataract surgery.

Purpose: 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.

Conclusion: The results suggest that there is persistent blood-aqueous barrier dysregulation even several years after cataract surgery.