Effect of lens epithelial cell aspiration on postoperative capsulorhexis contraction with the use of the AcrySof intraocular lens: randomized clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether aspiration of lens epithelial cells (LECs) from under the anterior capsule reduces postoperative contraction of the capsulorhexis aperture.


METHODS
Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom.


METHODS
This prospective randomized observer-masked study comprised 100 patients who had routine phacoemulsification by the same surgeon at a district general hospital in the United Kingdom. The postoperative changes in capsulorhexis apertures and anterior capsule opacification (ACO) between Group A (aspiration of LECs) and Group B (control) were compared. Digital retroillumination images of the capsulorhexis aperture were taken 1 week and 3 months postoperatively. The area of capsulorhexis aperture was determined with computer software, and capsule opacification was graded subjectively.


RESULTS
Three months postoperatively, the mean decrease in capsulorhexis aperture was 1.9% in Group A and 5.6% in Group B (P = .02). The ACO at 3 months was grade 2 in 44% of eyes in Group A and in 61% in Group B (P = .13).


CONCLUSIONS
Aspiration of LECs from the anterior capsule was a safe procedure that reduced capsulorhexis aperture contraction 3 months after cataract surgery.
Hanson
Richard J
RJ
Oxford Eye Hospital, Aylesbury, UK.
Rubinstein
Adrian
A
Sarangapani
Susan
S
Benjamin
Larry
L
Patel
Chetan K
CK
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000368:Aged; D019923:Capsulorhexis; D003286:Contracture / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology*; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013396:Suction / Q000379:methods*
D000180:Acrylic Resins