Visual Axis Opacification After Canine Cataract Surgery Combined With Posterior Continuous Curvilinear Capsulorhexis.

PCCC is safe in dogs; lower cataract stage and postoperative fibrin increase visual axis opacification risk.

This retrospective study evaluated visual axis opacification (VAO) following canine cataract surgery combined with posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (PCCC), a technique used to address intraoperative posterior capsular opacity. Analyzing 825 eyes treated between January 2021 and February 2024, PCCC was required in 13% (107/825) of cases, with 94 eyes having sufficient follow-up (≥90 days) for inclusion in the VAO analysis. VAO was assessed at six postoperative time points up to 24 months. Key findings revealed that lower cataract stages were associated with significantly higher VAO at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months postoperatively, potentially because less advanced cataracts retain more lens epithelial cells capable of proliferating across the visual axis. Postoperative fibrin formation was also significantly associated with increased VAO at the same time points, suggesting that inflammation plays a meaningful role in posterior capsular opacification after PCCC. Conversely, diabetic status and patient age did not significantly influence VAO at any time point, though trends toward lower VAO in older and diabetic animals were noted. Importantly, no serious intraoperative or postoperative complications attributable to PCCC were reported, supporting its safety profile. The study concludes that PCCC is a safe and effective adjunctive technique during canine cataract surgery, and that surgeons should be vigilant regarding VAO development particularly in dogs with early-stage cataracts or postoperative fibrin formation, where more proactive monitoring and management may be warranted.

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