BACKGROUND: The goal of a cataract operation is to achieve an optimal outcome, which includes a round and functioning pupil. The goal of this study was to analyze the influence of cataract operations on pupils that appear to be normal on slit-lamp examination postoperatively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A videopupillography was performed on 47 eyes of 47 patients after phacoemulsification without complications in the first eye, and on 12 eyes of 12 patients after phacoemulsification without complications in the second eye. RESULTS: After surgery, the first eyes showed a significantly more constricted pupil compared to the non-operated eye independently of the stage of irritation. After surgery of the second eye, this was only observed under near dark conditions. CONCLUSION: Even the morphologically normal pupil shows a change in motility postoperatively. We believe that the reason for this is the mechanical manipulation of the iris during cataract operation. During this, the sensitive dilator muscle of the pupil is affected, leading to temporary or permanent changes in pupillary function. The change in motility of the contralateral, non-operated eye cannot be easily explained. The pupil size is important for the visual process and alteration of its function allows an evaluation of the quality of the operation.
BACKGROUND: The goal of a cataract operation is to achieve an optimal outcome, which includes a round and functioning pupil. The goal of this study was to analyze the influence of cataract operations on pupils that appear to be normal on slit-lamp examination postoperatively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A videopupillography was performed on 47 eyes of 47 patients after phacoemulsification without complications in the first eye, and on 12 eyes of 12 patients after phacoemulsification without complications in the second eye. RESULTS: After surgery, the first eyes showed a significantly more constricted pupil compared to the non-operated eye independently of the stage of irritation. After surgery of the second eye, this was only observed under near dark conditions. CONCLUSION: Even the morphologically normal pupil shows a change in motility postoperatively. We believe that the reason for this is the mechanical manipulation of the iris during cataract operation. During this, the sensitive dilator muscle of the pupil is affected, leading to temporary or permanent changes in pupillary function. The change in motility of the contralateral, non-operated eye cannot be easily explained. The pupil size is important for the visual process and alteration of its function allows an evaluation of the quality of the operation.