Effect of tranilast eyedrops in preventing posterior capsule opacification: preliminary report.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of tranilast eyedrops in preventing fibrous opacification of the posterior lens capsule after cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.


METHODS
The Second Department of Ophthalmology, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, and Shohzankai Medical Foundation, Miyake Eye Hospital, Nagoya, Japan.


METHODS
This study comprised eyes having continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and phacoemulsification/aspiration followed by implantation of a posterior chamber IOL in the capsular bag. In this prospective, randomized, controlled, and double-masked trial, tranilast 0.5% (Rizaben) eyedrops (15 eyes) or its placebo eyedrops (20 eyes) were given 4 times a day for 3 months after surgery. An anterior eye segment analysis system (EAS 1000, Nidek Co., Ltd.) was used to evaluate the degree of fibrous posterior capsule opacification (PCO) 1 week and 1 and 3 months after surgery.


RESULTS
The mean PCO density in the tranilast group was 17.1 cct +/- 4.6 (SD), 20.0 +/- 3.6 cct, and 23.0 +/- 7.7 cct (cct = computer compatible tape) at 1 week and 1 and 3 months, respectively. In the control group, it was 18.2 +/- 5.3, 30.2 +/- 7.8, and 38.4 +/- 8.0 cct, respectively. There was a significant difference in the 1 and 3 month findings between the 2 groups (P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Tranilast was effective in preventing fibrous PCO at an early postoperative stage. The possible mechanisms of its effect may be prevention of collagen synthesis by minimizing transforming growth factor type beta released during lens epithelial cell metaplasia.
Tobari
I
I
Second Department of Ophthalmology, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Iwaki
Y
Y
Miyake
K
K
D000368:Aged; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D062367:ortho-Aminobenzoates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D062367:ortho-Aminobenzoates; C012293:tranilast