Linear posterior capsule opacification with the AcrySof intraocular tens

Intraoperative capsule striae are commonly seen after implantation of the A crySof (R) model MA60BM posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL). Although the striae generally have no visual significance and tend to disappear with remodeling of the capsule-haptic interface, we report a series of patients who developed linear posterior capsule opacification (PCO) dong persistent striae. The striae appear to create a channel that allows endothelial cell s to bypass the barrier created by the squared-edge design of the IOL and m igrate posteriorly in a linear pattern. The observation of linear PCO along channels created by capsule striae provide strong support for the theory t hat a sharp-edge design creates a barrier to posterior epithelial cell migr ation. (C) 2001 ASCRS and ESCRS.