Retrospective evaluation of phacoemulsification and aspiration in 182 eyes: Visual outcomes and CDE-predictive value

Objective To determine the effect of cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) on complications and visual outcome following cataract surgery in dogs. Animals studied Records of 182 canine eyes that had undergone cataract surgery. Procedures Retrospective medical record review was conducted on dogs that underwent unilateral or bilateral elective cataract surgery by a single surgeon. Preoperative variables such as age, cataract duration, and pre-existing conditions were recorded. Intraoperative variables such as intraocular lens (IOL) status, phacoemulsification time, average power, irrigation fluid volume, and CDE were recorded. Postoperative complications and visual status at last follow-up were compared to these variables. Results Eighty-six percent of dogs were visual in one or both eyes at last follow-up (LFU) examination. Median follow-up time was 186 days postoperatively. Eyes that developed glaucoma had a significantly greater mean CDE (77.73 +/- 80.11) than eyes that did not develop glaucoma (49.21 +/- 38.93). Eyes that remained visual at the LFU examination had a significantly lower mean CDE (48.31 +/- 37.14) than eyes that were blind at LFU (82.05 +/- 82.73). Significantly lower mean CDEs were found in diabetic eyes, younger eyes, early-operated eyes (<1 month duration), and eyes with preoperative lens-induced uveitis. Conclusions Higher CDE may be associated with an increased risk of postoperative glaucoma and loss of vision in dogs. Cumulative dissipated energy may be a useful prognostic indicator for success of canine cataract surgery.