Linear posterior capsule opacification with the AcrySof intraocular lens

Intraoperative capsule striae are commonly seen after implantation of the AcrySof model MA60BM posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL). Although the striae generally have no visual significance and tend to disappear with remodeling of the capsule-haptic interface, we report a series of patients who developed linear posterior capsule opacification (PCO) along persistent striae. The striae appear to create a channel that allows endothelial cells to bypass the barrier created by the squared-edge design of the IOL and migrate posteriorly in a linear pattern. The observation of linear PCO along channels created by capsule striae provide strong support for the theory that a sharp-edge design creates a barrier to posterior epithelial cell migration.