Comparing PCO and glistenings in 2 hydrophobic IOLs: 3-year results
In this article, Dr Johannson presents intraindividual IOL comparison follow-up results. Although similar levels of PCO development were observed for both AcrySof and Tecnis one-piece IOLs, fewer glistenings appeared in the Tecnis material, 3 years after implantation.
Take-home message: In this article, Dr Johannson presents intraindividual IOL comparison follow-up results. Although similar levels of PCO development were observed for both AcrySof and Tecnis one-piece IOLs, fewer glistenings appeared in the Tecnis material, 3 years after implantation.
By Dr Björn Johansson, MD, PhD FEBO
Over the years, intraocular lens (IOL) designers have developed a range of design concepts and materials to prevent or delay posterior capsular opacification (PCO). For IOLs intended for placement through an anterior capsulorhexis, within a capsular bag with intact posterior capsule, the benchmark choice has, for many years, been that of Alcon’s AcrySof IOL. A sharp posterior edge, in combination with the hydrophobic acrylic material’s “tacky” optic surface, which adheres to the posterior capsule, appears to prevent or delay the movement of lens epithelial cells to the central part of the posterior capsule.1,2
Development of PCO is low and slow with this lens but the appearance of glistenings – small, water-filled vacuoles – in the hydrophobic acrylic optic has caused some concern. Although several published studies did not find any association between glistenings and decreased visual function, there have been reported cases of IOL explantation due to dense glistenings that have compromised vision. 3,4,5 Therefore, it seems relevant to investigate long-term PCO development as well as glistening appearance when evaluating various IOL designs and material.
Comparing IOLs
During 2011, the Department of Ophthalmology at Linköping University initiated a study comparing the development of PCO and glistenings in two IOLs: The Alcon AcrySof (Alcon, Surrey, UK) vs the Abbott Medical Optics Tecnis One-piece (Abbott Laboratories Inc., Illinois, USA). The study was approved by the regional ethical committee and received support by way of an unrestricted grant from Abbott Medical Optics
Data from follow-up, 2 and 3 years after IOL implantation, was presented at the 2014 ESCRS annual congress, London, UK, and at the ASCRS annual congress, San Diego, California, USA, respectively.
Internal server error