Preventing posterior capsule opacification by creating a discontinuous sharp bend in the capsule

Purpose: To clarify which factor-intraocular lens (IOL) design or material-contributes most to the inhibition of migrating lens epithelial cells (LECs). Setting: Jinshikai Medical Foundation, Nishi Eye Hospital, Osaka, Japan. Methods: After phacoemulsification, an acrylic IOL with sharp optic edges was implanted in 1 eye and a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) IOL with an optic design similar to that of the acrylic IOL in the contralateral eye of 4 rabbits. Results: The Miyake view and histopathological findings 3 weeks after surgery revealed that the lens capsule wrapped tightly around the optic edges, conforming to a distinctly sharp rectangular bend there with both IOL types in ail rabbits. The migrating LECs were inhibited at the site, and a massive Soemmering's ring cataract was formed. Conclusions: The discontinuous sharp capsule bend created by the sharp optic ledges in both IOL types appeared to induce contact inhibition of the migrating LECs. The preventive effect of an acrylic IOL on posterior capsule opacification may be design dependent.