D. Kurosaka et K. Kato, Membranous proliferation of lens epithelial cells on acrylic, silicone, and poly(methyl methacrylate) lenses, J CAT REF S, 27(10), 2001, pp. 1591-1595
Purpose. To determine whether irtraocular lens (IOU material influences the
membranous proliferation of lens epithelial cells (LECs) on the anterior s
urface of the IOL.
Setting. Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, T
okyo, Japan.
Methods: This prospective study included 87 eyes of 87 consecutive patients
who had cataract surgery with IOL implantation. Patients were randomly ass
igned to receive a single-piece poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) IOL, a 3-p
iece silicone IOL, or a 3-piece acrylic IOL. Postoperatively, the IOL optic
was examined by slitlamp microscopy at 1 and 10 days and 1, 2, and 3 month
s to determine the incidence, duration, and extent of membranous LEC prolif
eration. The optic was also examined at 6, 9, and 12 months if proliferatio
n persisted.
Results. Thirteen eyes were excluded from analysis because of incomplete co
verage of the IOL rim by the anterior capsule margin; 74 remaining eyes wer
e studied. All patients obtained good postoperative visual acuity (20/25 or
better). Incidence (P = .0024) and duration (P = .0002) of membranous LEC
proliferation with the acrylic IOL was greater than with the other 2 types.
Proliferation on the acrylic IOL was more extensive than on the PMMA IOL 1
0 days postoperatively (P < .05) and on the silicone IOL at 10 days (P < .0
1) and 1 month (P < .01). However, LEC proliferation on the 3 types of IOLs
usually decreased by the third postoperative month, and proliferation did
not disturb visual acuity.
Conclusions. The material of an IOL influenced membranous proliferation of
LECs on its anterior surface. Proliferation on the acrylic IOL persisted lo
nger than on the other 2 types but did not cause visual symptoms. (C) 2001
ASCRS and ESCRS.