Animal study on the effects of catalin on aftercataract and posterior capsule opacification

Purpose: To find out the role of Catalin in the prevention of posterior cap sular opacification (PCO), we undertook this experimental study in rabbits. Methods: Twenty rabbits(10 for the Catalin group and 10 for the placebo gr oup) were operated on for extracapsular clear lens extraction in an aseptic environment. In all cases, capsulorrhexis of 8 mm diameter was carried out . Both the test drug and placebo were given at a dose of 4 times/day from t he first postoperative day for 8 weeks. Common drugs in both groups were to pical corticosteroid, antibiotic and cycloplegic drops. Periodic slitlamp e xaminations and photographic documentations were carried out to find any ev idence of aftercataract. At the end ot 8 weeks, histopathological examinati on was carried out to document any evidence of aftercataract. Result: Overa ll, evidence of aftercataract was seen in 6 rabbits in the control group an d 3 in the Catalin group; the degree of PCO was higher in the placebo group . Conclusion: We found that Catalin played some role in preventing PCO.