Effect of trypan blue staining on the elastic modulus of anterior lens capsules of diabetic and nondiabetic patients.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether trypan blue causes a significant difference in the biomechanical properties (stiffness) of diabetic and nondiabetic anterior lens capsules and to determine whether diabetes significantly alters the stiffness of anterior lens capsules.


METHODS
Veterans Administration Boston Healthcare Center System, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, USA.


METHODS
In this unmasked prospective randomized controlled experimental study, anterior lens capsules were obtained from diabetic and nondiabetic patients approved for cataract surgery. Four treatment groups were created: (1) capsules of nondiabetic patients without trypan blue; capsules of nondiabetic patients with trypan blue; (3) capsules of diabetic patients without trypan blue; (4) capsules of diabetic patients with trypan blue. Anterior lens capsule stiffness as a function of elastic (Young's) modulus (kilopascals) was measured with the Hysitron TriboIndenter.


RESULTS
The use of trypan blue led to significantly stiffer anterior lens capsules (P= .036). Trypan blue had the greatest effect on the stiffness of diabetic lens capsules (P= .046).


CONCLUSIONS
Trypan blue contributed to increased capsule stiffness during capsulorhexis, especially in diabetic patients.
Jardeleza
Maria Stephanie R
MS
Department of Ophthalmology, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain, Boston, Massachusetts 02130-4893, USA.
Daly
Mary K
MK
Kaufman
Jessica D
JD
Klapperich
Catherine
C
Legutko
Paul A
PA
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging; D000869:Anterior Eye Segment; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D019923:Capsulorhexis; D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications*; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055119:Elastic Modulus / Q000187:drug effects*; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014343:Trypan Blue / Q000494:pharmacology*
D004396:Coloring Agents; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D014343:Trypan Blue; C517652:hemoglobin A1c protein, human