A study of incidence of posterior capsular opacification after cataract surgery with square edge PMMA intra ocular lens

Abstract

Introduction: PCO usually leads to a decrease in visual acuity (VA), glare disability and a loss of contrast sensitivity. It has been reported earlier that sharp edge intraocular lens optics are better than rounded edge IOL optics. This study was performed to identify the incidence of Posterior capsular opacification after a cataract surgery with square edge IOLs. Materials and Methods: 75 patients with Senile cataract –irrespective of grade &type, between the ages of 40 – 80 years who underwent cataract surgery were included in this study. The cataract surgery was conducted and square edge IOLs was places within the capsular bag. Signs for PCO was observed during one year of follow-up. Results: The most common type of cataract in our study was mature senile cortical cataract, seen in 23 (28%) of the patients. Post-operative course was uneventful in 64 patients (85.33%). 3 patient(4%) had mild iritis and 8(10.67%) patients were noted with minimal corneal edema at first post-operative day and resolved in the next week with topical medications. capsule opacification was seen in 5 of the 75 patients (6.67%). 2 of the 5 patietns had fibrous membrane type and 3 developed Elsching’s pearl type of PCO. Conclusion: The design of IOLs specially the one with square edge plays a major role in preventing posterior capsule opacification especially in the elderly with a very good visual outcome. Keywords: Posterior capsular opacifications, Intraocular lens, Cataract surgery