Posterior capsulotomy in sulcus-fixated versus bag-fixated intraocular lenses in diabetic patients.

Forty-one diabetic patients who had modified J-loop lenses with ten-degree angulation implanted in the ciliary sulcus and 58 diabetic patients who had the same style lenses implanted in the capsular bag had posterior capsulotomy performed on the table or later at predetermined intervals. The operation was performed with a cystotome needle or with the Nd:YAG laser on the first postoperative day or later. The study indicates that the development of new or the worsening of old diabetic iris and retinal changes, as well as cystoid macular edema, were much less if the intraocular lens was implanted in the capsular bag, at least nine months elapsed between cataract surgery and capsule interruption, and topical indomethacin and topical steroid treatment was given preoperatively and postoperatively. There was little difference in diabetic progression between cystotome needle and YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.