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.     

Inflammation after implantation of hydrophilic acrylic,hydrophobic acrylic,or silicone intraocular lenses in eyes with cataract and uveitis: comparison to a control group

PURPOSE: To compare the course of inflammation after small-incision cataract surgery with implantation of 1 of 3 types of foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs) in eyes with uveitis. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. METHODS: Seventy-four eyes with uveitis and cataract and 68 control eyes with cataract were prospectively selected to receive a foldable hydrophilic acrylic (Hydroview, Bausch & Lomb), hydrophobic acrylic (AcrySof, Alcon), or silicone (CeeOn 911, Pharmacia) IOL. All surgery was performed by the same surgeon using a standardized protocol: clear corneal incision, capsulorhexis, phacoemulsification, and in-the-bag IOL implantation. Preoperative and postoperative inflammation was evaluated by measuring aqueous flare preoperatively and 1, 3, 7, 28, 90, and 180 days after surgery using the Kowa FC-1000 laser flare-cell meter. All uveitic eyes were in remission for at least 3 months before surgery. RESULTS: In the uveitic eyes, there was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative course of flare and cell among the 3 IOL groups. Six months after surgery in uveitic eyes, flare values reached preoperative levels and the cell count was lower than preoperatively in all 3 IOL groups. Relative flare values were higher in the eyes with uveitis and a CeeOn 911 IOL; however, the difference between this group and the 2 acrylic IOL groups was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in inflammation after implantation of foldable IOLs in uveitic eyes. Although absolute flare values and cell counts in eyes with uveitis were higher than in control eyes, primarily because of a damaged blood-aqueous barrier (BAB), BAB recovery was similar between the 2 groups. The changes in the BAB indicate that foldable IOL implantation is safe in uveitic eyes.     

Comparative performance of intraocular lenses in eyes with cataract and uveitis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the postoperative outcomes in uveitic eyes after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. SETTING: Multicenter (19) international study. METHODS: This prospective randomized comparative interventional case series comprised 140 eyes of 140 patients who had phacoemulsification and implantation of IOLs of various materials: hydrophobic acrylic (n = 48), silicone (n = 44), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) (n = 26), or heparin-surface-modified PMMA (HSM PMMA) (n = 22). Preoperative and postoperative grading and control of intraocular inflammation were performed. Clinically significant observations, visual outcomes, and the incidence of postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, 64 eyes (46.3%) had a best corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better, an improvement that was highly significant (P <.0001). One day after surgery, the acrylic group had the lowest inflammation values and the silicone group the highest (P =.02). The acrylic group continued to have the lowest inflammation grade values until the 3-month follow-up. The acrylic and HSM PMMA groups had the lowest incidence of relapses. Posterior capsule opacification developed in 48 eyes (34.2%), with the highest incidence in the silicone group. CONCLUSIONS: Phacoemulsification with IOL implantation in selected uveitic eyes was safe and effective. Acrylic IOLs provided a better visual outcome and lower complication rate than IOLs of other materials.     

Course of postoperative inflammation after implantation of 4 types of foldable intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To compare the course of postoperative inflammation after small incision cataract surgery with implantation of 4 types of foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs). SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Vienna, Austria. METHODS: One hundred twenty eyes were prospectively randomized to receive a foldable silicone (Pharmacia 920), hydrogel (Bausch & Lomb Hydroview), methyl methacrylate/hydroxyethyl methacrylate (Mentor MemoryLens), or acrylic (Alcon AcrySof) IOL. All surgery was performed by the same experienced surgeon using a standardized surgical protocol: clear corneal incision, capsulorhexis, phacoemulsification, and in-the-bag implantation of the IOL. All patients received standardized postoperative medication and follow-up. Postoperative inflammation was evaluated by measuring aqueous flare preoperatively and 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, 90, and 180 days after surgery using the Kowa 1000 laser flare-cell meter. RESULTS: Except on the first day after surgery, when the AcrySof group had higher flare values than the other groups (P = .0265), no significant differences were found up to 6 months. Re-establishment of the blood-aqueous barrier was similar in eyes with the AcrySof, Hydroview, and MemoryLens IOLs; the course of postoperative inflammation was different in eyes with the silicone IOL. CONCLUSION: Comparison of postoperative flare values after implantation of 4 foldable IOLs showed no clinically relevant differences in the course of postoperative inflammation.     

Comparison of glistenings in intraocular lenses with three different materials: 12‐year follow‐up

Purpose: To compare the degree of lens glistenings associated with three intraocular lenses (IOLs) of different materials and examine the relationship between the dioptric power of the optics and lens glistenings in a long‐term study. Setting: St. Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Methods: Forty‐six eyes of 46 patients underwent standard phacoemulsification and implantation with a heparin‐surface‐modified (HSM) polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) IOL, a silicone IOL or a hydrophobic acrylic IOL. Evaluations of the patients and the glistenings were conducted 11.3–13.4 years postoperatively. The glistenings were examined using Scheimpflug imaging and subsequently analysed using an image analysis program. Results: The median follow‐up time was 12.2 years (range, 11.3–13.4). The hydrophobic acrylic IOL had significantly more lens glistenings than the silicone (p = 0.003) and the PMMA (p = 0.000) IOLs. The silicone IOL had significantly more lens glistenings than the PMMA lens (p = 0.048). The IOL power did not affect the degree of lens glistenings in the hydrophobic acrylic IOL group (p = 0.64). The other groups had too little lens glistenings to evaluate the relationship. Conclusion: In this long‐term follow‐up study, the hydrophobic acrylic IOL had a significantly higher degree of lens glistenings compared to the silicone and PMMA IOLs. The PMMA IOL had almost no lens glistenings. The IOL dioptric power was not significantly correlated with the degree of lens glistenings associated with the hydrophobic acrylic IOL.     

Short-term blood-aqueous barrier breakdown after implantation of the 1CU accommodative posterior chamber intraocular lens

PURPOSE: To quantify intraocular inflammation after phacoemulsification with implantation of an accommodative posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL). SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany. METHODS: Twenty cataractous eyes of 20 patients without preexisting blood-aqueous barrier (BAB) deficiencies or previous intraocular surgery were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 64.6 years +/- 16.0 (SD). A single surgeon performed phacoemulsification through a superior sclerocorneal tunnel incision and implantation of a 1CU IOL (HumanOptics AG) though a 3.2 mm incision. The haptics of the single-piece acrylic 1CU lens are designed for anterior optic movement following ciliary muscle contraction. The postoperative treatment was standardized. Postoperative BAB breakdown was quantified by laser flare photometry (FC-1000, Kowa) at 1 day, 1 and 4 weeks, and 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: The mean aqueous flare was 6.3 photons/ms +/- 3.0 (SD) (range 4.0 to 12.2 photons/ms) 1 day postoperatively, with 64% of patients having normal aqueous flare values (<8.0 photons/ms). One week after surgery, the mean aqueous flare was 5.3 +/- 2.8 photons/ms (range 2.0 to 10.5 photons/ms). Four weeks postoperatively, aqueous flare was normal in all patients and remained stable below the normal limit for up to 6 months (mean 3.3 +/- 1.2 months; range 2.0 to 5.4 months). The number of aqueous cells did not increase at any follow-up and was normal in all eyes. No postoperative complications such as fibrin formation, synechias, macrophages on the IOL optic, or endophthalmitis were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Phacoemulsification with implantation of the 1CU accommodative IOL led to minimal and short-lasting BAB alteration. No signs of persistent inflammation or pigment dispersion were detected.     

Blood-aqueous barrier after phacoemulsification with posterior chamber lens implantation; foldable acrylate lens vs PMMA lens-- a clinical study on 46 eyes

BACKGROUND: Cataract surgery leads to a more or less pronounced postoperative inflammation due to breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier. This alteration of the blood-aqueous barrier can be reduced by minimally invasive surgery. The purpose of this study was to quantify the early course of the postoperative alteration of the blood-aqueous barrier following phacoemulsification with implantation of conventional PMMA posterior chamber lens (IOL) in comparison with foldable acrylic lens implantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-six eyes of 46 patients (age 63 +/- 8.8 years) without preexisting deficiences of the blood-aqueous-barrier or previous intraocular surgeries were divided into two groups: group 1 (24 patients): phacoemulsification with one-piece-PMMA-IOL implantation (6.5 mm corneoscleral tunnel incision); group 2 (22 patients): phacoemulsification with foldable acrylic-IOL implantation (3.5 mm incision, 15 patients with corneoscleral tunnel and 7 patients with clear cornea incision). All surgical procedures were performed by one surgeon. The postoperative treatment was standardized. Alteration of the blood-aqueous barrier was quantified by the laser flare-cell meter (Kowa, FC-1000) preoperatively and on the first and the second day after surgery. RESULTS: Preoperative aqueous flare values (photon counts/ms) were comparable in both groups (6.7 +/- 2.7 versus 5.6 +/- 2.7 respectively, p = 0.1). On day 1, aqueous flare in group 1 (9.7 +/- 2.9) was not statistically significantly higher than in group 2 (9.2 +/- 2.2, p = 0.2) and remained relatively constant on day 2 after surgery (9.3 +/- 3.3), whereas the aqueous flare values in group 2 decreased statistically significant (6.7 +/- 2.3, p = 0.01). Postoperatively, there was no statistically significant difference of aqueous flare values between eyes with corneoscleral tunnel incision and eyes with clear corneal incision (p = 0.7) in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that phacoemulsification with foldable IOL implantation leads to a mild and short-lasting alteration of the blood-aqueous barrier. Thus, implantation of foldable IOL may be useful in eyes especially with preexisting alteration of the blood-aqueous-barrier.     

Inflammatory cell adhesion and surface defects on heparin-surface-modified poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lenses in diabetic patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of surface scratches on heparin-surface-modified (HSM) poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) intraocular lenses (IOLs) and the possible influence of these alterations on the biocompatibility of HSM PMMA. SETTING: University Eye Clinic of Trieste, Trieste, Italy. METHODS: Twenty-six diabetic patients had phacoemulsification and implantation of an HSM PMMA IOL (809C, Pharmacia & Upjohn). Patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy or iridopathy were excluded from the study. On postoperative days 7, 30, 90, and 180, specular microscopy was performed to study and photograph the anterior IOL surface. The presence of scratches on the anterior IOL surface was assessed and the inflammatory cell reaction noted and graded using a semiquantitative scale. Finally, the location of the inflammatory cells in relation to the surface scratches was established. RESULTS: Scratches and other surface defects were found in 88.4% of cases. All patients had small cells on the IOL surface 7 days after surgery. At 30 days, small cells were observed in 88.4% of cases. The inflammatory cells were mainly located inside the scratches rather than throughout the IOL surface. CONCLUSIONS: This in vivo cytology study provides further evidence of the effectiveness of heparin surface modification in improving the biocompatibility of PMMA. In diabetic patients, inflammatory cells adhered to the exposed PMMA surface more than to the HSM surface, suggesting that the use of HSM PMMA in patients with conditions predisposing them to increased postoperative blood-aqueous barrier breakdown is beneficial.     

Late pigmented-membrane formation on silicone intraocular lenses after phacoemulsification with or without trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of late inflammatory membrane formation with pigment precipitates on foldable silicone or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) intraocular lenses (IOLs) after phacoemulsification with or without simultaneous trabeculectomy and to identify probable causative factors. SETTING: Eye Department, Bnai-Zion Medical Center, and the Faculty of Medicine, the Technion, Haifa, Israel. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 155 eyes (140 patients) were divided into 4 groups by the surgery performed: Group 1, phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy and foldable silicone IOL implantation (12 eyes); Group 2, phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy and PMMA IOL implantation (15 eyes); Group 3, phacoemulsification alone with foldable silicone IOL implantation (66 eyes); Group 4, phacoemulsification alone with PMMA IOL implantation (62 eyes). Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were compared. RESULTS: Late inflammatory membranes were found on the anterior surface of 33% of the IOLs in Group 1, 3% in Group 3, and none in Groups 2 and 4. Membranes developed 3 to 4 months after surgery, were resistant to topical corticosteroid treatment and required repeated neodymium:YAG laser treatments. No correlation with preoperative, intraoperative, or postoperative factors was found. CONCLUSION: Foldable silicone IOLs may induce late postoperative inflammatory membranes with pigment precipitates, especially after combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy.     

Biometry of 3 types of intraocular lenses using Scheimpflug photography

PURPOSE: To compare differences in intraocular lens (IOL) decentration and tilt and anterior chamber depth (ACD) using Scheimpflug photography as well as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in eyes having phacoemulsification with implantation of 1 of 3 types of IOLs. SETTING: Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea. METHODS: This study comprised 137 cataractous eyes of 108 patients having phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Eyes were randomized into 3 groups based on IOL type: poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) (n = 65); silicone (n = 47); soft acrylic (n = 25). Biometric analysis was performed with an EAS-1000 Scheimpflug camera 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Best corrected visual acuity was also measured at these visits. RESULTS: The anterior chamber was deeper 1 month after surgery, with no statistical difference among groups. There were no significant differences among groups in IOL decentration and tilt or final BCVA during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this study in which a properly constructed continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis was created and IOLs were accurately placed in normal capsular bags, changes in ACD, IOL decentration and tilt, and BCVA were similar in eyes with a PMMA, silicone, or soft acrylic IOL.     

Fourier analysis of irregular astigmatism after implantation of 3 types of intraocular lenses

PURPOSE: To evaluate irregular astigmatism after silicone, acrylic, and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) intraocular lens (IOL) implantation using Fourier analysis of videokeratography data. METHODS: Two hundred forty eyes having phacoemulsification and IOL implantation were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: 3.5 mm incision and silicone IOL, 4.1 mm incision and acrylic IOL, or 6.5 mm incision and PMMA IOL. All eyes had videokeratographic examinations preoperatively and 2, 4, and 10 days and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. The dioptric data of the central cornea were decomposed into spherical equivalent, regular astigmatism, and irregular astigmatism (decentration and higher-order irregularity) components using Fourier analysis. RESULTS: Regular astigmatism in the PMMA group was greater than in the silicone and acrylic groups. Decentration in all 3 groups increased significantly postoperatively but virtually returned to preoperative levels by 10 days. No significant difference was observed among the 3 groups. Higher-order irregularity significantly increased after surgery in all 3 groups. The higher-order irregularity in the PMMA group persisted for up to 1 month, while that in the silicone and acrylic groups returned to preoperative levels by 4 days, resulting in significant differences between these groups 10 days and 1 month after IOL implantation. CONCLUSION: Irregular astigmatism, both the decentration and higher-order irregularity components, increased significantly after 3 types of scleral tunnel incisions for silicone, acrylic, or PMMA IOL implantation but returned to preoperative levels soon after surgery except for the higher order irregularity after PMMA IOL implantation.     

Hydrophobic acrylic and plate-haptic silicone intraocular lens implantation in diabetic patients: pilot randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE: To compare the capsular and uveal reaction after implantation of a plate-haptic silicone intraocular lens (IOL) (C11UB, Chiron) and a hydrophobic acrylic (AcrySof MA60, Alcon) IOL in diabetic patients. SETTING: Moorfields Eye Hospital and St. Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom. METHODS: Thirty-five diabetic patients were recruited consecutively and randomly assigned to have implantation of either of the 2 IOLs. The percentage area of posterior capsule opacification (PCO), anterior capsule contraction (ACC), and postoperative inflammatory indices (flare and cells) were assessed objectively at 2 to 3 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Between-group and within-group analyses were conducted using the Student t test or Mann-Whitney test and Friedmann test, respectively. RESULTS: Between-group analysis showed the percentage area of PCO was significantly greater in patients with plate-haptic silicone IOLs at 6 and 12 months (P = .002). At 6 months, ACC was significantly greater in the plate-haptic group (P = .04), but the difference was not significant at 12 months. There was higher flare in the hydrophobic acrylic IOL group than in the plate-haptic silicone IOL group at 2 to 3 weeks (P = .08). Within-group analysis showed that over the follow-up period, the plate-haptic silicone group, but not the hydrophobic acrylic group, had a progressive increase in PCO (P = .003). In the hydrophobic acrylic group, but not the plate-haptic silicone group, there was a significant reduction in the mean anterior chamber flare value (P = .01). There was no significant difference in visual acuity or contrast sensitivity at any postoperative visit. CONCLUSION: In diabetic patients, hydrophobic acrylic IOLs can lead to an increased flare in the early postoperative period but they seem to be more favorable than plate-haptic silicone IOLs because the latter lead to more PCO.     

Quantification of blood-aqueous barrier breakdown after phacoemulsification in Fuchs' heterochromic uveitis

PURPOSE: To quantify the breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier (BAB) following phacoemulsification with posterior chamber lens implantation in eyes with Fuchs' heterochromic uveitis (FHU). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 19 eyes of 19 patients with FHU (mean age 38 +/- 14 years) and 35 eyes of 35 patients with senile cataracts (mean age 63 +/- 9 years) underwent phacoemulsification with one-piece PMMA posterior chamber lens implantation. Aqueous flare was quantified using the laser flare-cell meter (LFCM, Kowa FC-1000) following medical pupillary dilation preoperatively and 1, 3, and 5 days, then 1 and 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean preoperative aqueous flare (in photon counts per millisecond) in FHU vs. controls was 11.7 +/- 3.5 vs. 5.8 +/- 1.7. Following cataract surgery, mean aqueous flare increased to 27.8 +/- 4.4 vs. 16.0 +/- 4.5 on day 1, decreased to 23.6 +/- 4.0 vs. 11.8 +/- 3.5 on day 3, and to 18.0 +/- 3.0 vs. 9.5 +/- 1.7 on day 5. In FHU eyes, it was 13.9 +/- 2.7 after 1 week, and had returned to preoperative levels after 6 weeks (10.9 +/- 2.5) and remained stable for up to 6 months (mean 10.3 +/- 2.2). Pre- and postoperatively, aqueous flare values were 2-3 times higher in FHU eyes than in control eyes with senile cataract (p = 0.01). No postoperative complications such as fibrin formation, synechiae, macrophages on the intraocular lens optic or endophthalmitis were observed in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: BAB breakdown following phacoemulsification with posterior chamber lens implantation is relatively mild in eyes with FHU and the BAB appears to be fully reestablished to preoperative levels 6 weeks postoperatively, explaining the usually good outcome of cataract surgery in this condition.     

Posterior capsule opacification after phacoemulsification: foldable acrylic versus poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lenses

PURPOSE: To study the effects of foldable acrylic and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) intraocular lens (IOL) implantation on posterior capsule opacification (PCO). SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Dokuz Eylül University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey. METHODS: This consecutive series comprised 157 eyes having phacoemulsification with implantation of a foldable acrylic IOL with rectangular optic edges and a 5.5 mm optic (AcrySof) (n = 80 eyes) or a PMMA IOL with rounded optic edges and 5.5 mm optic (n = 77). Evaluated were incidence, location, and degree of PCO. Mean postoperative follow-up was 17.8 months +/- 1.7 (SD) (range 16 to 22 months). RESULTS: Posterior capsule opacification occurred in 8.7% of eyes in the foldable acrylic IOL group and in 24.7% of eyes in the PMMA IOL group. The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P < .01). Centrally located PCO was significantly lower in the acrylic group (P < .01). There were 3 eyes with severe PCO in the PMMA group and none in the acrylic group. Anterior capsule contraction and fibrosis were present in 4 eyes in the PMMA group but none in the acrylic group. Soemmering's ring cataract formation was detected in 3 eyes, all with the AcrySof IOL. CONCLUSION: In addition to its optic material and rectangular optic edges, the AcrySof IOL provides additional advantages in lowering the incidence of PCO compared with rounded-edge PMMA IOLs.     

Posterior capsule opacification: comparison of 3 intraocular lenses of different materials and design

PURPOSE: To compare posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after cataract surgery with implantation of 3 intraocular lenses (IOLs) of different materials and design. SETTING: St. Erik's Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. METHODS: In this prospective clinical study, 180 patients had standardized phacoemulsification performed by a single surgeon and were randomized to have implantation of a heparin-surface-modified (HSM) poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) IOL (809C, Pharmacia & Upjohn), a silicone IOL (SI-40NB, Allergan), or an acrylic IOL (AcrySof MA60BM, Alcon). To morphologically evaluate PCO, retroillumination photographs were obtained and analyzed using Evaluation of Posterior Capsule Opacification computer software. The neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy rate was recorded. RESULTS: After 2 years, the HSM PMMA IOL group had significantly more PCO than the silicone and AcrySof IOL groups; the silicone group had significantly more PCO than the AcrySof group (P<.05). The Nd:YAG capsulotomy rate was 20% in the HSM PMMA group, 22% in the silicone group, and 8% in the AcrySof group. CONCLUSION: Patients with an AcrySof IOL developed significantly less PCO than those with a silicone or HSM PMMA IOL with a round-edged design.     

Inflammation after sclerocorneal versus clear corneal tunnel phacoemulsification

OBJECTIVE: To compare the postoperative inflammation after phacoemulsification followed by intraocular lens (IOL) implantation by means of sclerocorneal versus clear corneal tunnel incision. DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eyes of 100 patients were examined at a German University eye hospital. INTERVENTION: One hundred eyes with cataract necessitating phacoemulsification with posterior chamber IOL implantation were randomly assigned to receive a temporal sclerocorneal or clear corneal tunnel incision by a single surgeon. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Preoperative and postoperative inflammation was evaluated by measurement of flare using laser flare photometry. Statistical inference was mainly based on nonparametric group comparisons by use of two sample Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: Mean anterior chamber flare in the group with sclerocorneal tunnel increased from 7.5 photon counts/ms preoperatively to 19.6 at 6 hours postoperatively and decreased to 11.1 (day 1), 11.7 (day 2), 11.6 (day 3), and 9.2 (5 months) during the postoperative course. The mean flare in the clear corneal tunnel incision group increased from 7.7 preoperatively to 12.9 at 6 hours postoperatively and then decreased to 9.2 (day 1), 9.8 (day 2), 9.1 (day 3), and 9.2 (5 months). Individual postoperative flare changes were significantly lower in the clear corneal tunnel group at the day of surgery (P<0.0001), as well as at day 1 (P = 0.0011), day 2 (P = 0.0079), and day 3 (P = 0.0020). After 5 months, no statistically significant difference was found. CONCLUSIONS: After phacoemulsification and foldable IOL implantation, postoperative alteration in the blood-aqueous barrier was statistically significantly lower with the clear corneal tunnel incision group compared with the sclerocorneal incision group, in the first 3 days postoperatively.     

Comparison of sulcus implantation of single-piece hydrophilic foldable acrylic and polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lenses in eyes with posterior capsule tear during phacoemulsification surgery

PURPOSE: To compare the results of sulcus implantation of acrylic and poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) intraocular lens (IOL) in eyes with posterior capsule tear during phacoemulsification surgery. METHODS: In all eyes a posterior capsule tear developed during phacoemulsification surgery and an IOL to the ciliary sulcus was implanted primarily. A total of 89 eyes of 88 patients received hydrophilic foldable acrylic IOL (acrylic group). A total of 72 eyes of 72 patients received PMMA IOL (PMMA group). The mean age was 67.1 years and 68.1 years and postoperative follow-up period was 19.2 months and 17.9 months in acrylic and PMMA groups, respectively. RESULTS: Temporary corneal edema appeared in 33 eyes and 26 eyes, elevation of intraocular pressure in 17 eyes and 12 eyes, anterior chamber inflammatory reaction in 5 eyes and 5 eyes, clinical cystoid macular edema in 7 eyes and 12 eyes, and decentered IOL in 4 eyes and 3 eyes in acrylic and PMMA groups, respectively. Late postoperative endophthalmitis developed in two eyes of the PMMA group. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment developed in one eye in each group. Final best-corrected visual acuities were 5/10 and above in 73 eyes (82.02%) in the acrylic group and 5/10 and above in 42 eyes (58.33%) in the PMMA group. Postoperative final induced astigmatism was 0.5+/-0.5 D (SD) in the acrylic group and 1.11+/-0.65 D (SD) in the PMMA group (p=0.0001) (independent samples t-test). CONCLUSIONS: Increased astigmatism is more frequently seen in the PMMA group. The implantation of foldable acrylic IOL in the sulcus after posterior capsule tear maintains the advantages of small incision surgery.     

Foldable acrylic versus rigid polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lens in combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy

BACKGROUND: Combined trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification is a widely accepted option in treating patients with glaucoma who also have cataracts. Implantation of a foldable intraocular lens (IOL) in cataract surgery has several theoretical advantages.We performed a study to determine the results of combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C and implantation of either a foldable acrylic or rigid polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) IOL. METHODS: Review of the charts of 58 consecutive patients (60 eyes) who underwent combined phacotrabeculectomy for concomitant cataract and glaucoma at a university-affiliated hospital in Montreal between September 2001 and December 2002. Forty-one eyes received a foldable acrylic lens (3.2-mm-wide incision), and 19 eyes received a rigid PMMA lens (5.2-mm-wide incision). Outcome measures included visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP) and postoperative complications. The results in the two groups were compared. RESULTS: There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Earlier recovery of visual acuity was noted in the foldable IOL group than in the rigid IOL group (p = 0.013 for the difference at day 7). IOP control was similar in the two groups, as was the incidence of IOP spikes in the early postoperative period. INTERPRETATION: The results suggest that combined phacotrabeculectomy with mitomycin C using a foldable acrylic IOL allows for good postoperative IOP control and earlier visual recovery than the same procedure with insertion of a rigid PMMA lens.     

Square-edge polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lens design for reducing posterior capsule opacification following paediatric cataract surgery: initial experience

Purpose: To compare the incidence and severity of development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) following implantation of square‐edged polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) following paediatric cataract surgery. Design: Prospective, consecutive, interventional, comparative, randomized and cross‐sectional study of 40 eyes of 32 children aged between 4 and 12 years who underwent phacoemulsification and posterior chamber IOL implantation. Methods: The patients were randomized into two groups of 20 eyes each. Group 1 eyes received a square‐edge hydrophobic acrylic IOL (Acrysof SA 60 AT, Alcon Surgical, Fort Worth, Texas), and Group 2 eyes received a square‐edge single‐piece PMMA lens (Aurolab SQ 3600 Aurolab IOL Division, Madurai, India) in the capsular bag. No eye underwent a primary posterior capsulotomy. The PCO density was evaluated on slitlamp retroillumination photographs by using POCOman software at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post surgery. Results: The average percentage PCO on POCOman analysis was 51.23 for Group 1 and 49.49 for Group 2 (P = 0.09), and the average PCO severity grade was 1.34 in Group 1 and 1.12 in Group 2 (P = 0.08). Visual axis remained clear in 14 of 20 eyes with the acrylic lens as compared with 13 of 20 eyes with the PMMA lens. (P = 0.32). Conclusions: Square‐edge PMMA IOLs offer a significant cost advantage over acrylic lenses at similar rates of PCO formation following paediatric cataract surgery, which is of significant value in developing countries.     

Phacoemulsification after retinal detachment surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of phacoemulsification in eyes that had previous retinal detachment (RD) surgery. SETTING: Hayashi Eye Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan. METHODS: Ninety-six eyes of 90 consecutive patients who had phacoemulsification after previous RD surgery (RD group) were included. Fifty-one fellow eyes that had not had RD surgery but did have phacoemulsification served as controls (control group). Recurrence of RD, visual acuity, complications, and the neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy rate were examined. RESULTS: Recurrent RD after phacoemulsification occurred in 2 eyes (2.1%) in the RD group. Three eyes (5.9%) in the control group developed RD postoperatively. The incidence of RD was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P =.3416). The mean final visual acuity in the RD group was 20/30, significantly worse than in the control group (P =.0099). Posterior capsule opacification developed in 29 eyes (30.2%) in the RD group and 11 eyes (21.6%) in the control group; the difference between the groups was not significant. Eighteen eyes (43.9%) that had implantation of a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) intraocular lens (IOL) and 7 eyes (6.6%) that received an acrylic IOL had an Nd:YAG capsulotomy; the capsulotomy rate was significantly higher in eyes with a PMMA IOL than in eyes with an acrylic IOL (P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of recurrent RD after phacoemulsification in eyes that had previous RD surgery was similar to that of new occurrence of RD in fellow eyes without RD before phacoemulsification. Because the Nd:YAG capsulotomy rate was lower in eyes with acrylic IOLs than in eyes with PMMA IOLs, acrylic IOLs are recommended for eyes at high risk for RD.