The Impact Of Mechanical Pupil Dilation On Cataract Surgery Outcomes: Insights From The Swedish National Cataract Register

This study aims to describe the demographic profiles and outcomes of patients undergoing mechanical pupil dilation (MPD) during cataract surgery.

The study encompasses all cataract procedures carried out at four surgical facilities in the northern region of Sweden, including Umeå University Hospital, Sunderbyn, Gällivare, and Piteå hospitals, as reported to the Swedish National Cataract Register (NCR) between 2013 and 2019.

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted utilizing data from the Swedish NCR and electronic patient records. Each cataract surgery involving MPD was paired with a subsequent procedure at the same clinic. Furthermore, a multinomial regression analysis was executed to discern the factors and outcomes uniquely associated with MPD.

Over the study period, a total of 25,349 patients aged 18 to 97 underwent cataract surgery, with 653 individuals (2.6%) underwent MPD. Notably, factors such as pseudoexfoliation and capsule staining were disproportionately prevalent among MPD cases. Collectively, eyes subjected to MPD exhibited a more intricate intra- and postoperative trajectory, necessitating increased postoperative visits, heightened usage of postoperative anti-inflammatory drops.

Mechanical pupil dilation is independenty associated with a heightened complexity during cataract surgery, manifesting in an extended follow-up schedule, augmented postoperative anti-inflammatory therapy, and a potential need for enhanced postoperative care. This information could be added to the postoperative counselling, and more postoperative anti-inflamatory treatment could be considered in cases with MPD.