Large study pegs capsule complication rate at 2.09 percent

Researchers used data from the Swedish National Cataract Register, which includes nearly all extractions performed in Sweden, to identify both the rate of capsule complication and its risk factors. They found an overall capsule complication rate of 2.09 percent - which is an invaluable piece of information and an important benchmark for people to know. Those of us with a lower rate can be happy.

Analyzing data from 2002 to 2009, they found that the rate decreased each year from 2002 to 2006, then stabilized. Factors that contributed to capsule complication were expected, namely poor CDVA in the surgical eye (≤ 0.1), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age.

The authors believe the decrease may be due to the fact that surgery was performed in younger, healthier eyes during that time. However, the complication rate decreased even more in challenging cases, suggesting surgery technique was refined over time.