Capsular opacification and accommodative lens refilling

Abstract

SummaryAfter lens refilling with a silicone polymer, accommodation has been demonstrated in rhesus monkeys. However, coinciding with the development of capsular opacification the accommodative amplitude decreases to zero. Several strategies may be followed to prevent the development of capsular opacification. A straight forward strategy is the attempt to destroy remaining lens epithelial cells in the lens capsule by cytotoxic drugs. By isolating the lens capsular bag from the rest of the anterior chamber the lens capsule may be selectively treated with drugs. Our experiments in various animal models have shown that lens epithelial cells are very resistant to these treatments. This suggests that better strategies are needed. In further experiments we found that the choice of a proper biomaterial in the capsular bag may also significantly influence the capsular opacification response. Results of lens refilling with Hyaluronan and functionalized nanogels will be discussed.