Posterior capsule opacification after implantation of a hydrophilic or a hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens: one-year follow-up.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic single-piece acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) on posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after cataract surgery.


METHODS
St. Erik's Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.


METHODS
In a prospective study, 120 patients having cataract surgery were randomized to implantation of a hydrophilic acrylic IOL (BL27, Bausch & Lomb) or a hydrophobic acrylic IOL (AcrySof SA60AT, Alcon). Surgery was performed according to a standardized protocol by 1 of 3 surgeons. Best corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, glare, intraocular pressure, and flare were measured 1 week, 3 months, and 1 year after surgery. Posterior capsule opacification was assessed by digital retroillumination photography and analysis using POCOman software at 1 year. The rate of neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy for each IOL was also recorded.


RESULTS
At 1 year, the hydrophilic acrylic IOL group had a significantly greater percentage area and severity of PCO than the hydrophobic acrylic IOL group (P<.001). Two patients in the hydrophilic acrylic IOL group and 4 in the hydrophobic acrylic IOL group had an Nd:YAG capsulotomy within the first year (P>.05). Contrast sensitivity was significantly better in the hydrophilic acrylic group at 3 months (P<.05); however, at 12 months no difference between the IOLs was observed. There was no significant difference in the other measured parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with the hydrophilic acrylic BL27 IOL had a significantly greater percentage area and severity of PCO than those with the hydrophobic acrylic SA60AT IOL 1 year after surgery.
Kugelberg
Maria
M
St Erik's Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. m.kugelberg@sankterik.se
Wejde
Gisela
G
Jayaram
Hari
H
Zetterström
Charlotta
C
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology*; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000180:Acrylic Resins