CAPSULE OPACIFICATION AFTER REFILLING THE CAPSULE WITH AN INFLATABLE ENDOCAPSULAR BALLOON

Purpose: To describe the features of capsule opacification in rabbits and cynomolgus monkeys after the capsules were refilled with an inflat able endocapsular balloon. Setting: Nishi Eye Hospital, Jinshikai Medi cal Foundation, Osaka, Japan. Method: Capsule opacification was evalua ted by slitlamp examination, Miyake view, and histopathological examin ation in 15 eyes of 15 rabbits and 16 eyes of 13 primates from 4 to 32 months after the lens capsule had been refilled. Results: The inciden ce of capsule opacification was 94%. In the eyes that did not have len s epithelial cell (LEC) removal, a monolayer of LECs was seen on the p osterior capsule when the lens capsule was tautly refilled, whereas a thick layer was seen when the lens capsule was moderately or poorly re filled. In the eyes that had LEC removal, the opacification was genera lly less marked regardless of the amount of refilling. In two rabbit c apsules that were refilled moderately or tautly and had LEC removal, t he capsule remained clear. Neodymium:YAG capsulotomy in two eyes did n ot cause herniation of the injected silicone. Conclusions: Filling the capsule tautly and removing the LECs effectively reduced capsule opac ification but could not completely inhibit LEC migration. This suggest s the need for more efficient and thorough LEC removal or even a pharm aceutical approach to prevent capsule opacification after lens refilli ng.