Objective: To study the influence of intraocular lens (IOL) optics with a square truncated edge on the incidence of posterior capsular opacification (PCO).
Methods: This consecutive series of 140 eyes (140 cases) underwent phacoemulsification with implantation of a foldable IOL with a square truncated edges (n = 90) or a foldable IOL with a round tapered edges (n = 50). We evaluated visual acuity, overall incidence of PCO and the incidence of PCO under different continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (CCC) conditions after surgeries. The mean postoperative follow-up was (14 +/- 8) months (range, 6 to 48 months) and (18 +/- 8) months (range, 6 to 48 months) respectively.
Results: Posterior capsular opacification occurred in 8.9% (8/90 eyes) of eyes in the square truncated edge designed group and 38.0% (19/50 eyes) of eyes in the round tapered edge designed group. The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Moderate CCC with the diameter slightly smaller than that of the IOL optic was achieved in 76 eyes in the square truncated edge group and no PCO was found. In the round tapered edge group, moderate CCC was achieved in 41 eyes in which 10 eyes developed PCO. Amonhad a large or decentered CCC, 8 out of 14 eyes (57.1%) in the square truncated group developed PCO, and 9 out of 9 eyes (100.0%) in the round tapered group developed PCO. The difference is also significant (P < 0.05). Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy rate was lower in the square truncated edge group (1.1%) than that in the round tapered edge group (10.0%) (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Moderate CCC and IOL optic design with a square truncated edge are the two important factors for prevention of posterior capsular opacification.