The inhibition of lens epithelial cell migration by a discontinuous capsular bend created by a band-shaped circular...

This study investigated the inhibitory effect of a discontinuous capsular bend created by an intraocular lens (IOL) with a band-shaped loop or a capsule tension ring on migrating lens epithelial cells (LECs).

To create a sharp bend in the capsule, the round form (shown on cross section) of the open-circular loop of a polymethylmethacrylate IOL was changed to a band-like shape, 1.0 mm wide and 0.2 mm thick. A capsule tension ring of the same shape (on cross section) with a 14-mm diameter was also made. After cataract surgery, this IOL or ring was implanted into the capsular bag in 5 rabbit eyes. The same IOL with an unmodified haptic or conventional capsule tension ring was implanted in the contralateral eye as a control. After 8 weeks, Miyake view and histopathologic examinations were performed.

LECs accumulated at the equatorial corner outside the haptic or ring, showing the inhibition of LEC migration. In the control eyes, LECs accumulated inside the haptic or ring, forming a Soemmering's ring cataract, thus showing markedly less inhibition of LEC migration on macroscopic and microscopic observations.

A discontinuous bend in the capsule significantly inhibited LEC migration in rabbit eyes. The creation of a capsular bend through the appropriate design of the IOL-haptic or capsule tension ring might significantly decrease the incidence of posterior capsule opacification for humans.