title: Prevention of posterior capsular opacification.
abstract: Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is a common complication of cataract surgery. The development of PCO is due to a combination of the processes of proliferation, migration, and transdifferentiation of residual lens epithelial cells (LECs) on the lens capsule. In the past decades, various forms of PCO prevention have been examined, including adjustments of techniques and intraocular lens materials, pharmacological treatments, and prevention by interfering with biological processes in LECs. The only method so far that seems effective is the implantation of an intraocular lens with sharp edged optics to mechanically prevent PCO formation. In this review, current knowledge of the prevention of PCO will be described. We illustrate the biological pathways underlying PCO formation and the various approaches to interfere with the biological processes to prevent PCO. In this type of prevention, the use of nanotechnological advances can play a role.
authors.affiliation: University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Dept. of Ophthalmology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Laboratory for Experimental Ophthalmology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: l.m.nibourg@umcg.nl.
authors.forename: Lisanne M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Nibourg
authors.affiliation: Nano Fiber Matrices B.V., Zernikepark 6-8, 9747 AN Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Edith
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gelens
authors.affiliation: University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Roel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kuijer
authors.affiliation: University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Dept. of Ophthalmology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Johanna M M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hooymans
authors.affiliation: University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Theo G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: van Kooten
authors.affiliation: University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Dept. of Ophthalmology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Steven A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Koopmans
mesh_terms: D058442:Capsule Opacification / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects; D002465:Cell Movement; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology; D057852:Posterior Capsule of the Lens / Q000473:pathology*
keywords: Capsular opacification; Cataract surgery; Epithelial–mesenchymal transition; Nanostructures; Nanotechnology; Prevention