The effect of three different acrylic intraocular lenses and capsulorhexis diameter on the posterior capsule opacification development

Abstract

Introduction/Objective Cataract represents a blur of the crystalline lens. The only possible way of cataract treatment is the surgical one. One of the most common postoperative complications is the development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). The aim of this study was to exam the effect of three different acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) and the capsulorhexis diameter on PCO development.

Methods The study included 92 patients with a diagnosis of senile cataract divided into three groups according to the IOL type. Every group was further divided into two subgroups depending on capsulorhexis size. PCO was measured in the first, sixth, 12th, 18th, and 24th month after the phacoemulsification.

Results The lowest PCO 24 months after phacoemulsification was measured in patients with three-piece hydrophobic IOL (0.3 ± 0.08). Capsulorhexis diameter less than 5 mm had a statistically significant effect in patients with single-piece hydrophilic (0.416 ± 0.187) and single-piece hydrophobic IOL (0.411 ± 0.082) for two years follow-up.

Conclusion PCO causes a decrease of visual acuity and can be a reason for patients’ dissatisfaction in postoperative period. The only possible way for the treatment of developed PCO is the usage of YAG laser capsulotomy, a procedure which can be associated with serious complications. Thereby, the finest way for PCO treatment is its prevention. The main role in that prevention has a choice of adequate surgical technique and IOL.

Keywords: posterior capsule opacification; intraocular lens; phacoemulsification