Evaluation of lens epithelial cell migration in vivo at the haptic-optic junction of a one-piece hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens

Am J Ophthalmol. 2006 Oct;142(4):557-62. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2006.05.049.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the pattern of lens epithelial cell (LEC) ingrowth behind the intraocular lens (IOL) optic in patients implanted with the AcrySof SA60AT one-piece IOL.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Methods: Patients implanted with the AcrySof SA60AT one-piece IOL with complete overlap of the capsulorrhexis and IOL optic and no ocular pathology were selected from the practices of six surgeons. High-resolution digital images of the distribution of LECs were captured. Circumferential location and extent of LEC growth behind the optic were measured.

Results: Mean +/- SD follow-up was 13.2 +/- 1.7 months for 40 patients (mean age 72 years). LEC migration beyond the edge of the IOL optic was displayed by 57.5% (23/40) of patients. LECs migrated into the visual axis in 22.5% (9/40) of patients, leading to a visual acuity of <6/9 (20/30) in 10% (4/40) of patients. Cell migration was located preferentially at the optic-haptic junction. Serial photographs were used to monitor LEC migration over time. In some cases, LECs extended from the opposing optic-haptic junctions to converge in the center of the IOL, creating a path across the optic.

Conclusions: The optic-haptic junction of the AcrySof one-piece IOL is a point of weakness in the barrier effect of the square-edge IOL design that provides migrating LECs access to the posterior capsule.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acrylic Resins*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cataract / pathology
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Epithelial Cells / physiology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Lens Capsule, Crystalline / pathology
  • Lens Implantation, Intraocular
  • Lens, Crystalline / pathology*
  • Lenses, Intraocular*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Photography
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Acrylic Resins