Lens epithelial cell reaction after implantation of different intraocular lens materials: two-year results of a randomized prospective trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the influence of intraocular lens (IOL) material on anterior capsular opacification and membrane growth over the anterior IOL surface in patients who have undergone standardized small-incision cataract surgery and foldable IOL implantation in the capsular bag.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Eighty-eight cataract patients (88 eyes).


METHODS
Patients were randomly assigned to receive one of four different foldable IOLs after phacoemulsification: Storz Hydroview H60M, Corneal ACR6D, AMO SI40NB, and Alcon AcrySof MA60BM. Examinations on days 7, 30, 90, 180, 360, and 720 after surgery included ophthalmologic examination, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and photography using red reflex and focal illumination of the anterior IOL surface.


METHODS
Best-corrected visual acuity was measured at each examination. In addition, the anterior capsule opacification and the membrane growth on the anterior IOL surface were graded according to a subjective method by the same researcher.


RESULTS
The fibrosis of the anterior capsule was more frequently observed in the group using Corneal ACR6D and AMO SI40NB. The Hydroview and ACR6D groups showed a higher percentage of cases with membrane growth from the rhexis edge on the anterior IOL surface. AcrySof showed the lowest presence of fibrosis of the anterior capsule, and no membrane growth was noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Anterior capsule opacification is an index of IOL biocompatibility. The natural location of lens epithelial cells (LECs) precludes the possibility of the IOL's design influencing the anterior capsule behavior. The local response of LECs varies according to the IOL studied. This may be related to the chemical and physical properties of the materials used in the different IOLs.
Tognetto
Daniele
D
Eye Clinic, University of Trieste, Ospedale Maggiore, Piazza Ospedale, 1-34129 Trieste, Italy. tognetto@univ.trieste.it
Toto
Lisa
L
Sanguinetti
Giorgia
G
Cecchini
Paolo
P
Vattovani
Odilla
O
Filacorda
Stefano
S
Ravalico
Giuseppe
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D005355:Fibrosis; D005549:Foreign-Body Reaction / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology*; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D010781:Photography; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014792:Visual Acuity
D001672:Biocompatible Materials