[After-cataract following intraocular lens implantation. Part I. Genesis and prevention by optimizing conventional...

After-cataract is the most common complication in cataract surgery. Implementing a sharp posterior optic edge has, together with improved cortical aspiration, drastically reduced its rate. The impact of optic design and material has been systematically studied in detail in Vienna in a series of prospectively randomized intra-individual comparison studies using objective evaluation methods. Circular rhexis-optic overlap is essential for the durability of the posterior sharp optic edge barrier effect. Using haptics with a capsular bag design and a slim junction to the optic enhanced it further. The use of fibrosis-inducing optic materials has been shown to prolong the barrier effect, which was decreased after anterior capsule polishing. Although the incidence of clinically significant after-cataract has been significantly reduced by these conventional measures, it still cannot be completely avoided.