Comparison of design of intraocular lens versus the material for PCO prevention

To evaluate the influence of different intraocular lens(IOL) designs made of PMMA on posterior capsular opacification(PCO) and compare with foldable designs.

Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation was done in one eye of 24 New Zealand White rabbits, with IOL of two different designs (Square edged or round edge) and two different materials(PMMA or HEMA). After three months, the animals were sacrificed and enucleated. Evaluation of PCO included posterior view, migration of anterior capsular epithelial cells to the posterior capsule following epithelial-mesenchymal transition were assessed by staining the histological sections of posterior capsule by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and Periodic acid- Schiff (PAS). The IOLs were extracted and stained with HE to evaluate the presence of adherent cells on the lens surface.

PCO was highest with round edged rigid lens. There was no significant difference in the PCO between the square edged PMMA and square edged foldable lens.

It is the design of the IOL not the material that offers protection on PCO formation.