Effect of the optic size of a single-piece acrylic intraocular lens on posterior capsule opacification

Abstract

Purpose To investigate the effect of the optic size of an intraocular lens (IOL) with sharp optic edges on posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Setting Nishi Eye Hospital, Osaka, Japan. Methods In 5 rabbits, a single-piece 5.5 mm optic AcrySof® IOL (Alcon Laboratories) was implanted in 1 eye and a specially fabricated single-piece 7.0 mm optic AcrySof IOL was implanted in the contralateral eye. Histopathological examinations were performed 3 weeks after surgery. Results On posterior views, less PCO was noted with the 5.5 mm optic in all rabbits except 1. Histopathological sections demonstrated adhesion of the anterior and posterior capsules between the haptic and optic and the formation of a sharp capsular bend at the posterior optic edge in 3 eyes with the 5.5 mm optic but in no eye with the 7.0 mm optic. Abundant PCO was noted when a sharp capsular bend had not formed. Conclusions Capsular adhesion is a prerequisite of capsular-bend formation. The sharp optic edge alone does not provide a substantial barrier when a capsular bend is not formed. Bulky haptics such as those of the single-piece AcrySof and large optics may hamper capsular adhesion and bend formation.