ABSTRACT
Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine if racial differences exist in the rate of posterior capsule rupture (PCR) during cataract surgery in Singapore.
Materials and Methods: All intraoperative complications during cataract surgery were prospectively reported as part of a clinical audit programme. A retrospective review of all patients who sustained a PCR during cataract surgery between July 1995 and December 1998 was performed. Results: Of 8230 consecutive eyes which underwent cataract surgery, 6951 (84.5%) were Chinese, 597 (7.3%) were Malay, 524 (6.4%) were Indian, and 158 (1.9%) were of other races. The overall incidence of PCR was 1.9%. The PCR rates were 1.8% [125 of 6951; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.49 to 2.11] in Chinese, 2.0% (12 of 597; 95% CI, 1.01 to 3.57) in Malay, 2.7% (14 of 524; 95% CI, 1.13 to 3.56) in Indian, and 2.5% (4 of 158; 95% CI, 0.00 to 4.98) in other races. There was no statistical difference between the PCR rates (P = 0.62, chi-square test). Conclusion: Racial differences in Singapore do not have an effect on the rates of PCR during cataract surgery.Posterior capsule rupture (PCR) is a potentially serious intraoperative complication of cataract surgery. The anecdotal experience of some surgeons suggests that differences in the anatomy of the eyelids, bony orbit, nasal bridge and other facial features, as well as the globe itself among different races may influence such factors as surgical exposure and “ease” of operation, and hence intraoperative complications.
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