Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2026

04:59
Rotating the Intraocular Lens to Prevent Posterior Capsular Opacification in Cataract Surgeries
Published on: July 7, 2023
Posterior capsule opacification in myopic eyes.
Ken Hayashi1, Motoaki Yoshida, Hideyuki Hayashi
1Hayashi Eye Hospital, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan. hayashi-ken@hayashi.or.jp
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
|May 16, 2006
Summary
High myopia and long axial length do not increase posterior capsule opacification (PCO) when specific acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) are implanted. This study found no significant difference in PCO development across myopia severity groups.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a common complication after cataract surgery.
- The relationship between ocular biometry (axial length, refractive error) and PCO development is not fully understood.
- Intraocular lens (IOL) properties, such as material and edge design, may influence PCO formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and severity of PCO in eyes with varying degrees of myopia and long axial lengths.
- To determine if specific types of acrylic IOLs with low-power, zero-power, or minus-power and sharp optic edges influence PCO development in these eyes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 90 patients undergoing phacoemulsification with IOL implantation.
- Patients were categorized into high, moderate, and low myopia groups.
- Posterior capsule opacification was quantified using Scheimpflug videophotography over 24 months. Visual acuity and neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy rates were also assessed.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in mean PCO values or Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates were observed between myopia groups.
- No significant correlation was found between PCO severity and actual spherical power or axial length.
- Visual acuity trends did not significantly differ based on myopia severity.
Conclusions:
- Implantation of acrylic IOLs with low-power, zero-power, or minus-power and a sharp optic edge is not associated with increased PCO in eyes with high myopia or long axial length.
- Ocular characteristics like high myopia and long axial length do not appear to exacerbate PCO with these specific IOLs.
- The study suggests that IOL design and material may play a more significant role in PCO prevention than patient refractive status.
Related Concept Videos
Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
Focusing of Light in the Eye
Light rays enter the eye through the cornea, a transparent dome-shaped tissue that is the eye's outermost layer. The cornea bends or refracts, light rays traveling to the pupil. The shape of the cornea determines how much of the light is bent and whether the image will be focused correctly on the retina at the back of the eye. Once the light has passed through both refraction layers, it converges into a single focal point onto a small area. This is where photoreceptors start transforming...

