Background and objective: This study investigated the inhibitory effect of a discontinuous capsular bend created by an intraocular lens (IOL) with a band-shaped loop or a capsule tension ring on migrating lens epithelial cells (LECs).
Materials and methods: To create a sharp bend in the capsule, the round form (shown on cross section) of the open-circular loop of a polymethylmethacrylate IOL was changed to a band-like shape, 1.0 mm wide and 0.2 mm thick. A capsule tension ring of the same shape (on cross section) with a 14-mm diameter was also made. After cataract surgery, this IOL or ring was implanted into the capsular bag in 5 rabbit eyes. The same IOL with an unmodified haptic or conventional capsule tension ring was implanted in the contralateral eye as a control. After 8 weeks, Miyake view and histopathologic examinations were performed.
Results: LECs accumulated at the equatorial corner outside the haptic or ring, showing the inhibition of LEC migration. In the control eyes, LECs accumulated inside the haptic or ring, forming a Soemmering's ring cataract, thus showing markedly less inhibition of LEC migration on macroscopic and microscopic observations.
Conclusions: A discontinuous bend in the capsule significantly inhibited LEC migration in rabbit eyes. The creation of a capsular bend through the appropriate design of the IOL-haptic or capsule tension ring might significantly decrease the incidence of posterior capsule opacification for humans.