Inflammation after phacoemulsification in diabetic retinopathy. Foldable acrylic versus heparin-surface-modified poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lenses

PURPOSE: To evaluate inflammation after cataract surgery in patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and compare results with 2 intraocular lenses (IOLs): a foldable hydrophobic acrylic and a heparin-surface-modified (HSM) poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. METHODS: Patients with NPDR were randomized for implantation of an HSM PMMA IOL (811C, Pharmacia) through a 6.0 mm sclerocorneal incision (30 patients) or a foldable hydrophobic acrylic IOL (AcrySof, Alcon) through a 4.0 mm sclerocorneal incision (32 patients). Both IOLs had 6.0 mm optics. All patients were treated according to a standardized protocol. The degree of flare in the anterior chamber was measured with the Kowa 1000 laser flare-cell meter 1 day preoperatively and 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: In both IOL groups, flare was highest on the first postoperative day and decreased to preoperative levels by 3 months after surgery. There was no statistically significant difference in relative flare values between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in postoperative inflammation in eyes with a foldable hydrophobic acrylic IOL implanted through a small incision and those with a rigid HSM PMMA IOL. Postoperative inflammation results indicate that the lenses are equally suitable for the use in patients with diabetic retinopathy.