Effect of tranilast eyedrops in preventing posterior capsule opacification: preliminary report

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the effect of tranilast eyedrops in preventing fibrous opacificationof the posterior lens capsule after cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL)implantation. Setting The Second Department of Ophthalmology, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, and Shohzankai Medical Foundation, Miyake Eye Hospital, Nagoya, Japan. Methods This study comprised eyes having continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and phacoemulsification/aspiration followed by implantation of a posterior chamber IOL in the capsular bag. In this prospective, randomized, controlled, and double-masked trial, tranilast 0.5% (Rizaben®) eyedrops (15 eyes) or its placebo eyedrops (20 eyes) were given 4 times a day for 3 months after surgery. An anterior eye segment analysis system (EAS 1000, Nidek Co., Ltd.) was used to evaluate the degree of fibrous posterior capsule opacification (PCO) 1 week and 1 and 3 months after surgery. Results The mean PCO density in the tranilast group was 17.1 cct ± 4.6 (SD), 20.0 ± 3.6 cct, and 23.0 ± 7.7 cct (cct = computer compatible tape) at 1 week and 1 and 3 months, respectively. In the control group, it was 18.2 ± 5.3, 30.2 ± 7.8, and 38.4 ± 8.0 cct, respectively. There was a significant difference in the 1 and 3 month findings between the 2 groups ( P < .001). Conclusion Tranilast was effective in preventing fibrous PCO at an early postoperative stage. The possible mechanism of its effect may be prevention of collagen synthesis by minimizing transforming growth factor type β released during lens epithelial cell metaplasia.