Preoperative prediction of posterior capsule plaque in eyes with posterior subcapsular cataract

To determine whether the plaque on the posterior capsule can be predicted preoperatively, in patients with posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC), undergoing cataract surgery. A prospective study of 140 consecutive eyes with PSC, who underwent cataract surgery, was conducted. The prediction of preoperative presence or absence of plaque within the PSC was noted on slit lamp examination, in dilated pupils. A single observer made the observations under oblique illumination, where the slit lamp was placed at an angle of 30 degrees to 45 degrees. Evaluation of the plaque through slit lamp examination was standardized in terms of illumination and magnification. The observations were recorded using a video camera (Image archiving system, Carl Zeiss, Jena Germany) attached to a slit lamp (Carl Zeiss, SL 120 Jena, Germany), keeping the illumination at 100%. The prediction of plaque was noted in terms of its presence or absence on the posterior capsule. All the patients received counseling regarding the presence of plaque. Capsule polishing of the posterior capsule in Cap Vac mode, was done in all cases. The posterior capsule was examined for presence or absence of plaque, either on the first postoperative day, or within a week, with maximal mydriasis. The observer's results were tabulated and later analyzed to judge the incidence of predictability of plaque in PSC. The mean age of the patients was 45+/-6.2 years (range 32-61 years); 104 (74.3%) were males. One hundred and eight (77.1%) patients were under 50 years. The presence or absence of plaque was predicted correctly in 124 (88.6%) eyes. The prediction of plaque was incorrect in 16 (11.4%) eyes. The prediction of presence or absence of plaque was accurate in 88.6% cases. We believe that counseling patients with posterior capsule plaque before the surgery is the key to avoiding unpleasant surprises.