Early-Onset Posterior Capsule Opacification: Incidence, Severity, and Risk Factors

To evaluate the incidence, severity, and risk factors of early-onset posterior capsule opacification (PCO) following uneventful phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

Patients with cataracts who underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation surgery for 3 months from September 2019 to April 2020 were enrolled. All the subjects completed a comprehensive ocular examination. Retroillumination images of the posterior capsule were obtained using a slit lamp with imaging system, and PCO was graded by two ophthalmologists. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the risk factors for PCO.

A total of 1039 subjects were enrolled, with mean age 66.68 ± 11.43 years and 42.06% were male. The incidence of early-onset PCO in the 3 months after cataract surgery was 29.93%, and PCO of grade 3 and grade 4 was present in 31 patients (2.98%). Patients with complicated cataract had a higher incidence of PCO than age-related cataract, especially for patients with previous pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) surgery (P < 0.001). Moreover, the incidence of PCO increased with the deficiency of capsulorhexis-IOL overlap (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression also showed that previous PPV surgery (OR 2.664, P = 0.003) and incomplete capsulorhexis-IOL overlap were risk factors for PCO (180-360° overlap: OR 2.058, P < 0.001; < 180° overlap: OR 5.403, P < 0.001).

Larger capsulorhexis and PPV surgery history contribute to the occurrence of early-onset PCO, indicating that primary posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis can be considered during cataract surgery for patients with PPV history.