Anterior capsule stability in eyes with intraocular lenses made of poly(methylmethacrylate), silicone, and AcrySof

Purpose: To ascertain whether the movement of the anterior capsule is different with intraocular lenses (IOLs) made from different materials. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom. Methods: Ninety patients had standardized extracapsular cataract extraction, continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC), and confirmed in-the-bag IOL placement performed by the same surgeon. Patients were randomized to receive a three-piece, 6.0 mm IOL made of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), silicone, or AcrySof (R), all with PMMA haptics, and received standardized postoperative medication. Except for material, the IOLs were of the same design. On days 7, 30, 90, 180, and 360, digitized retroillumination images were taken of the IOL. The movement of the anterior capsule between each visit was analyzed. Results: The amount of anterior capsule movement was significantly less in the AcrySof lens group than in the PMMA or silicone lens groups in the first year after surgery (P = .0001). Conclusion: The AcrySof lens with PMMA haptics produced significantly less anterior capsule movement than PMMA or silicone lenses and thus is likely to cause less IOL decentration and capsular phimosis.