Evaluation of lens epithelial cell migration in vivo at the haptic-optic junction of a one-piece hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the pattern of lens epithelial cell (LEC) ingrowth behind the intraocular lens (IOL) optic in patients implanted with the AcrySof SA60AT one-piece IOL.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
Patients implanted with the AcrySof SA60AT one-piece IOL with complete overlap of the capsulorrhexis and IOL optic and no ocular pathology were selected from the practices of six surgeons. High-resolution digital images of the distribution of LECs were captured. Circumferential location and extent of LEC growth behind the optic were measured.


RESULTS
Mean +/- SD follow-up was 13.2 +/- 1.7 months for 40 patients (mean age 72 years). LEC migration beyond the edge of the IOL optic was displayed by 57.5% (23/40) of patients. LECs migrated into the visual axis in 22.5% (9/40) of patients, leading to a visual acuity of <6/9 (20/30) in 10% (4/40) of patients. Cell migration was located preferentially at the optic-haptic junction. Serial photographs were used to monitor LEC migration over time. In some cases, LECs extended from the opposing optic-haptic junctions to converge in the center of the IOL, creating a path across the optic.


CONCLUSIONS
The optic-haptic junction of the AcrySof one-piece IOL is a point of weakness in the barrier effect of the square-edge IOL design that provides migrating LECs access to the posterior capsule.
Nixon
Don R
DR
Trimed Eye Center, Barrie, Ontario, Canada. trimedeyedoc@rogers.com
Apple
David J
DJ
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002386:Cataract / Q000473:pathology; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology*; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010781:Photography; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000180:Acrylic Resins