Glistenings in foldable intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the formation of glistenings in foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs) of various materials after cataract surgery.

SETTING

University Eye Clinic of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 273 patients were randomized to have implantation of 1 of 7 types of foldable IOLs in the capsular bag after phacoemulsification. The IOLs were the CeeOn Edge 911A (Pharmacia & Upjohn Co.), ACR6D (Corneal), AcrySof (Alcon), SI-40NB (AMO), Hydroview H60M (Storz), Sensar (AMO), and Stabibag (Ioltech). The presence of glistenings in the IOL optic was assessed by slitlamp evaluation 7, 30, 90, 180, 360, and 720 days after surgery. The glistenings were graded at each control.

RESULTS

Glistenings were observed in all IOL groups. The percentage of patients with glistenings ranged from 40.0% to 67.5%, with the percentage increasing up to 90 days after surgery and then becoming stable in most groups. The AcrySof group had a continuous increase over time. The mean grade of glistenings increased up to 180 days after surgery and then became stable in most groups. The AcrySof and 911A groups had a continuous increase over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Glistening formation was observed in 7 different foldable IOLs. The AcrySof group had a higher percentage and a greater density of glistenings.