[Changes of lens capsule after phacoemulsification]

Abstract

Objective: To observe the changes in the lens capsule after phacoemulsification and its effects on the position of intraocular lens (IOL) and to demonstrate the best position of IOL in relation to the anterior capsule.

Methods: The present series comprised 141 eyes in 127 patients underwent phacoemulsification and foldable lens implantation with 5 mm continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis. The changes in the lens capsule and the position of IOL with dilated pupil were observed using slit lamp microscope 3 months after the operation.

Results: Capsular bag shrinkage and white Soemmering ring along the margin of capsulorhexis were observed in all cases. Three different kinds of relationship between anterior capsule opening and the IOL optic surface were found, including the non-capture (68 eyes), partial-capture (52 eyes) and total-capture (21 eyes) relationships. The incidence of central posterior capsule opacification (PCO) was significantly higher in the total-capture group (47.6%) than that in the non-capture (11.7%) and partial-capture (21.2%) groups (P < 0.01). IOL in well centered position was significantly higher in the non-capture (91.2%) and total-capture (81.0%) groups than that in the partial-capture group (42.3%) (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: In the present study, various changes in the lens capsule were observed after phacoemulsification and foldable lens implantation. It is suggested that keeping the IOL in a non-capture position is a key point to avoid the occurrence of PCO and IOL decentration.