[Histopathologic study of after-cataract in the pseudophakic rabbit eye using in-the-bag fixation. (II)]

Sequential changes in the lens capsules of the rabbit eye after phacoemulsification with in-the-bag fixation of IOL were studied light microscopically. There were three types of after-cataract. Two of them, in which the anterior capsular flap contacted the posterior capsule and/or the anterior surface of the optics of IOL, were similar to that in aphakic cases. The other type, in which the anterior capsular edge contacted the IOL only, showed a number of characteristic findings. The capsular space was closed with a residual lens capsule and IOL optics, and typical Soemmerring's ring was observed there. Fibrous proliferation was observed at the anterior capsular edge, not on the posterior capsule. Lens epithelia on the posterior capsule moved beneath the IOL and reproduced new lens fibers.