Purpose: To clarify the extent to which the adhesiveness of an acrylic mate
rial influences the formation of posterior capsule opacification (PCO).
Setting: Jinshikai Medical Foundation, Nishi Eye Hospital, Osaka, Japan.
Methods: Two types of AcrySof (R) intraocular lenses (IOLs) were prepared:
round edged and tumbled. The AcrySOf With round edges was implanted in 1 ey
e in a group of ii rabbits and the tumbled IOL in 1 eye in a group of 5 rab
bits, In both groups, the contralateral eye received a conventional AcrySof
with sharp optic edges. A histopathological examination was,performed 3 we
eks after surgery.
Results: With the round-edged AcrySof IOL, no capsular bend formed at the o
ptic edge and abundant lens epithelial cells (LECs) migrated posteriorly. W
ith the sharp-edged AcrySof lens, a sharp capsular bend formed and LEC migr
ation was significantly inhibited. In eyes with a tumbled IOL, a capsular b
end was created, but it was less marked than that created by the sharp-edge
d lens and there was slightly more LEC migration posteriorly.
Conclusions: The AcrySof IOL lost its preventive effect on PCO when the opt
ic was rounded. The effect of the AcrySof lens in preventing PCO is mainly
a result of its rectangular, sharp-edged optic design. The acrylic material
may play a complementary role by helping create a sharp capsular bend. Cap
sular bend formation is the key to the PCO preventive effect of an IOL.