Posterior capsule opacification after implantation of a hydrophilic or a hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens: one-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic single-piece acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) on posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after cataract surgery.

SETTING: St. Erik's Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

METHODS: In a prospective study, 120 patients having cataract surgery were randomized to implantation of a hydrophilic acrylic IOL (BL27, Bausch & Lomb) or a hydrophobic acrylic IOL (AcrySof SA60AT, Alcon). Surgery was performed according to a standardized protocol by 1 of 3 surgeons. Best corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, glare, intraocular pressure, and flare were measured 1 week, 3 months, and 1 year after surgery. Posterior capsule opacification was assessed by digital retroillumination photography and analysis using POCOman software at 1 year. The rate of neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy for each IOL was also recorded.

RESULTS: At 1 year, the hydrophilic acrylic IOL group had a significantly greater percentage area and severity of PCO than the hydrophobic acrylic IOL group (P<.001). Two patients in the hydrophilic acrylic IOL group and 4 in the hydrophobic acrylic IOL group had an Nd:YAG capsulotomy within the first year (P>.05). Contrast sensitivity was significantly better in the hydrophilic acrylic group at 3 months (P<.05); however, at 12 months no difference between the IOLs was observed. There was no significant difference in the other measured parameters.

CONCLUSION: Patients with the hydrophilic acrylic BL27 IOL had a significantly greater percentage area and severity of PCO than those with the hydrophobic acrylic SA60AT IOL 1 year after surgery.