Inflammation after phacoemulsification in diabetic retinopathy. Foldable acrylic versus heparin-surface-modified poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lenses.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate inflammation after cataract surgery in patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and compare results with 2 intraocular lenses (IOLs): a foldable hydrophobic acrylic and a heparin-surface-modified (HSM) poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).


METHODS
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.


METHODS
Patients with NPDR were randomized for implantation of an HSM PMMA IOL (811C, Pharmacia) through a 6.0 mm sclerocorneal incision (30 patients) or a foldable hydrophobic acrylic IOL (AcrySof, Alcon) through a 4.0 mm sclerocorneal incision (32 patients). Both IOLs had 6.0 mm optics. All patients were treated according to a standardized protocol. The degree of flare in the anterior chamber was measured with the Kowa 1000 laser flare-cell meter 1 day preoperatively and 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively.


RESULTS
In both IOL groups, flare was highest on the first postoperative day and decreased to preoperative levels by 3 months after surgery. There was no statistically significant difference in relative flare values between the 2 groups.


CONCLUSIONS
There was no difference in postoperative inflammation in eyes with a foldable hydrophobic acrylic IOL implanted through a small incision and those with a rigid HSM PMMA IOL. Postoperative inflammation results indicate that the lenses are equally suitable for the use in patients with diabetic retinopathy.
Krepler
K
K
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Vienna, Austria. katharina.krepler@akh-wien.ac.at
Ries
E
E
Derbolav
A
A
Nepp
J
J
Wedrich
A
A
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000150:complications*; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D006493:Heparin; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate