Measuring the anterior capsule opening after cataract surgery to assess capsule shrinkage.

PURPOSE: To measure anterior capsule opening (ACO) size after acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and study the natural course of ACO reduction.

SETTING

Kimura Eye and Internal Medicine Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.

METHODS

This study comprised 32 patients (38 eyes) having continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis, phacoemulsification, acrylic IOL implantation, and a self-sealing incision performed by 1 surgeon. A retroillumination photograph of the ACO was obtained with the Anterior Eye Segment Analysis System and converted to a computer image. The images were used to measure ACO size postoperatively and calculate the reduction ratio. Follow-up was 6 months.

RESULTS

The postoperative reduction ratio in ACO size was 2.14% at 1 week, 3.83% at 1 month, 4.29% at 3 months, and 5.03% at 6 months. In a few cases, the reduction was progressively severe throughout the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The anterior capsule opening shrank rapidly during the first month after acrylic IOL implantation, followed by a slower progressive reduction in the subsequent 6 months. When severe, progressive shrinkage occurs, an anterior neodymium:YAG laser capsulotomy should be performed within 2 months postoperatively.