title: Posterior capsule opacification.
abstract: A complication of extracapsular cataract extraction with or without posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC-IOL) implantation is posterior capsule opacification. This condition is usually secondary to a proliferation and migration of residual lens epithelial cells. Opacification may be reduced by atraumatic surgery and thorough cortical clean-up. Clinical, pathological and experimental studies have shown that use of hydrodissection, the continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and specific IOL designs may help reduce the incidence of this complication. Capsular-fixated, one-piece all-polymethylmethacrylate PC-IOLs with a C-shaped loop configuration and a posterior convexity of the optic are effective. Polymethylmethacrylate loops that retain "memory" create a symmetric, radial stretch on the posterior capsule after in-the-bag placement, leading to a more complete contact between the posterior surface of the IOL optic and the taut capsule. This may help form a barrier against central migration of epithelial cells into the visual axis. Various pharmacological and immunological methods are being investigated but conclusive data on these modalities are not yet available.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Apple
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Solomon
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Tetz
authors.forename: E I
authors.initials: EI
authors.lastname: Assia
authors.forename: E Y
authors.initials: EY
authors.lastname: Holland
authors.forename: U F
authors.initials: UF
authors.lastname: Legler
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.forename: V E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Castaneda
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Hoggatt
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Kostick
mesh_terms: D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology*; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000196:embryology; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular / Q000009:adverse effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011474:Prosthesis Design