Abstract
Purpose:
To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of in the bag implantation of capsular tension ring (CTR) on posterior capsular opacification (PCO) by comparing the incidence of PCO with cases undergoing in the bag implantation of intraocular lens implantation (IOL) alone.
Methods:
In this study, 44 eyes which had underwent cataract removal with phacoemulsification and in the bag implantation of hydrophilic acrylic IOL and CTR by the same surgeon were evaluated more than 5 years. 40 eyes with in the bag implantation of the same IOL alone were compared. The final visual acuity, the degree of PCO and anterior capsular fibrosis (ACF), and postoperative complications including the degree of IOL decentration were evaluated.
Results:
At 12 months postoperatively, mild degree of PCO and ACF were developed in 4 out of 44 eyes with CTR group (group 1) and in 10 out of 40 eyes with IOL alone group (group 2). At 3 years, moderate degree of PCO and ACF were developed in 6 out of 44 eyes with group 1 and in 12 out of 40 eyes with group 2.<br /> At 5 years, moderate degree of PCO and ACF were developed in 8 out of 44 eyes with group 1 and in 15 out of 40 eyes with group 2. Significant decentration of IOL with severe ACF were developed in 4 eyes with group 2, but none with group 1.
Conclusions:
The use of capsular tension ring is associated with significantly reduced incidence of PCO and anterior capsular fibrosis in modern cataract surgery. By reducing the migration of lens epithelial cell migration onto the posterior capsule and also preventing the anterior capsular contraction by supporting the lens zonule, the use of CTR in modern cataract surgery can be a effective and safe procedure to protect the capsular bag and reduce significant postoperative complications in modern cataract surgery.