Retrospective evaluation of phacoemulsification and aspiration in 41 horses (46 eyes): visual outcomes vs. age, intraocular lens, and uveitis status.

The research article evaluates the impact of factors like age, intraocular lens placement, and chronic uveitis on the visual outcomes in horses post cataract surgery through phacoemulsification and aspiration. The study concludes chronic uveitis affected visual outcomes negatively, while age and intraocular lens use did not show an association with poor visual results.

Methodology

• The study encompasses 41 horses, totaling 46 eyes that had undergone unilateral or bilateral phacoemulsification and aspiration (PA) for cataract removal.
• The records were retrospectively examined from two facilities: NCSU-VTH with 35 horses (39 eyes) and Northern Italy with six horses (seven eyes).
• Visual status of the horses at the last follow-up was evaluated against their age at the time of surgery, intraocular lens (IOL) placement, and preoperative presence of chronic uveitis.
• For seven horses with chronic uveitis, a suprachoroidal cyclosporine implant was also placed.
• Data on visual status was gathered through clinical ophthalmic examinations and owner questionnaires.

Results

• Twenty-one of the forty-six eyes (around 46%) had received an IOL, while 26% of the eyes had chronic uveitis.
• About 54% of the eyes were visual at the last follow-up (mean 35.1 ± 34.8 months).
• The study found no significant correlation between visual outcomes and horse age at the time of surgery, which had a mean age of 8.6 ± 7.7 years.
• Of the eyes with an IOL (pseudophakic eyes), 67% were visual at the last follow-up, compared to 44% of the eyes without an IOL (aphakic eyes). However, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.342).
• Eyes with preoperatively diagnosed chronic uveitis were significantly less likely to be visual at the last follow-up (25% versus 65% in horses without preoperative chronic uveitis, P = 0.023).

Conclusion

• The study concludes that horses with chronic uveitis had significantly poorer visual outcomes after PA.
• It was determined that older age at the time of surgery and the use of an intraocular lens (IOL) were not associated with poor visual outcomes post operation.