Meta-analysis suggests sharp-edged IOL design helps prevent PCO

This meta-analysis of 10 randomized clinical trials that enrolled 1,202 eyes with senile cataract concluded that the sharp-edged design of an IOL is a major factor in preventing posterior capsular opacification (PCO) following cataract surgery and implantation with a 6.0 mm optic diameter IOL.

The study's authors found that the AcrySof three-piece sharp-edged acrylic IOL (Alcon, Inc., Hünenberg, Switzerland) had a lower PCO score than both round-edged silicone IOLs and round-edged polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) IOLs but a slightly higher PCO score than sharp-edged silicone IOLs.

Eyes implanted with the sharp-edged AcrySof IOL also had a lower Nd:YAG capsulotomy rate than those patients who received round-edged silicone IOLs or round-edged PMMA IOLs but a similar rate compared with those who received sharp-edged silicone IOLs. BCVA with the AcrySof IOL was similar to levels measured with both round-edged silicone IOLs and round-edged PMMA IOLs.

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Financial Disclosures
Dr. Hill is a consultant to Alcon, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Santen and Oculus. He also receives lecture fees from Alcon, Carl Zeiss Meditec and Oculus.