Hydrophobic versus double-square-edged hydrophilic foldable acrylic intraocular lens: effect on posterior capsule opacification.

PURPOSE: To evaluate posterior capsule opacification (PCO) 2 years after cataract surgery with implantation of a hydrophobic acrylic or single-piece sharp-edged hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL).

SETTING: Toyama Prefectural Central Hospital, Toyama, Japan.

DESIGN: Case-control study.

METHODS: Patients with bilateral senile cataract were prospectively randomized to receive a hydrophobic IOL (Acrysof SA60AT) in 1 eye and a hydrophilic IOL (Meridian HP60M) in the other eye. The PCO density value, degree of IOL decentration and tilt, and anterior chamber depth (ACD) were measured using Scheimpflug videophotography 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery. Visual acuity and the number of eyes requiring neodymium:YAG laser capsulotomy were also assessed.

RESULTS: The study evaluated 16 eyes (63 patients). The PCO value in the hydrophilic group increased significantly with time and was statistically significantly greater than in the hydrophobic group 18 and 24 months postoperatively (both P < .001). The capsulotomy rate was statistically significantly higher in the hydrophilic group than in the hydrophobic group (P < .01). Visual acuity in the hydrophilic group worsened significantly with time and was statistically significantly worse than in the hydrophobic group at 18 and 24 months (both P < .001). Intraocular lens decentration, IOL tilt, and the ACD did not change significantly during the follow-up in either group (P > .05), and there were no statistically significant postoperative differences in these parameters between the 2 IOL groups (P > .05).

CONCLUSION: Two years after surgery, the hydrophobic IOL group had less PCO, a lower capsulotomy rate, and better visual acuity than the hydrophilic IOL group.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.