RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTRAOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS OF CATARACT SURGERY AND AXIAL LENGTH: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background Axial length variation influences cataract surgery outcomes and complication rates. This study evaluates intraoperative complications across three axial length groups (<21mm, 22-25mm, >25mm). Methods A retrospective analysis of 84 eyes from 84 patients who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation between January 2023 and December 2024. Patients were grouped by axial length: Group A (<21mm), Group B (22-25mm), and Group C (>25mm). Main outcomes included intraoperative complications. Results Group A had significantly higher complication rates (75%) compared to Groups B (18%) and C (32%) (p<0.001). The most frequent complications in Group A were iris prolapse, posterior capsule (PC) rent, and Descemet's membrane tears. Normal intraoperative findings were observed in 25% of Group A, 82% of Group B, and 68% of Group C. Conclusion Cataract surgery in short eyes (axial length <21mm) poses greater intraoperative challenges and higher complication rates. Adequate preoperative planning and experienced surgical hands are essential in such cases.