Changes in the area of the anterior capsule opening after intraocular lens implantation.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the reduction rate of the area of the anterior capsule opening after continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) with 3 types of intraocular lenses (IOLs). SETTING: St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. METHODS: Sixty-five eyes of 51 patients having phacoemulsification and IOL implantation were assigned to 1 of 3 groups based on type of IOL 1-piece acrylic (n = 16), 3-piece acrylic (n = 26), or silicone (n = 23). The area of the anterior capsule opening was measured 1 day and 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There was significant reduction in the area of the anterior capsule opening 1 day to 3 months postoperatively in all 3 groups (P <.001). There was no further reduction after 3 months in any group. The reduction in the area of the anterior capsule opening was significantly less in both acrylic IOL groups than in the silicone IOL group at 3 months (P =.040) and 12 months (P =.023); however, there was no significant difference between the 2 types of acrylic IOLs (P =.933). CONCLUSIONS: Although there was a reduction in the area of the anterior capsule opening in all patients, the amount was significantly less in the 2 acrylic IOL groups than in the silicone IOL group. This should be considered when selecting an IOL, especially for eyes at risk for capsule contraction.