LASER FLARE-CELL MEASUREMENT OF INFLAMMATION AFTER UNEVENTFUL EXTRACAPSULAR CATARACT-EXTRACTION AND INTRAOCULAR-LENS IMPLANTATION

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate the inflammation response after une ventful extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, University o f Alicante, Spain. Methods: Using a Kowa laser flare-cell meter, we me asured cell and flare for 3 months postoperatively in 550 eyes of 435 consecutive patients who had uneventful ECCE and IOL implantation. We compared the results in terms of the type of IOL implanted. Results: T he amount of inflammation varied, but not significantly, according to the IOL type. The highest level of Rare and cell always occurred the d ay following surgery regardless of which IOL was used. A small increas e in flare was observed on the 30th day. Conclusion: Inflammation afte r uncomplicated ECCE, as measured with a laser flare-eell meter, resol ved by 3 months and was not significantly affected by the type of IOL implanted. More sensitive instruments should be developed to measure i nflammation immediately after surgery.