Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: PCO is one of the most frequent complications of cataract surgery and is a major obstacle to the use of accommodative lenses. Lens epithelial cells can be destroyed chemically, but it is important to administer epitheliotoxic drugs safely to the capsular bag. This pilot study demonstrates a patented method to apply the detergent saponine to the capsule during cataract surgery to prevent PCO. Methods: Phacoemulsification was performed in rabbits using a peripheral mini–capsulorhexis. The capsule was expanded with air, which was limited to the capsule by filling the anterior chamber with viscoelastic. A control solution of trypan blue or a test solution of trypan blue with the detergent saponine was injected into the gas–expanded lens capsule. With trypan blue the surgeon could visualize leakage from the capsule. After 60 seconds, the control or test solutions were removed by irrigation and aspiration. Two weeks after surgery pachymetry was performed, and the rabbits were sacrificed. The anterior segments were evaluated with light microscopy. Results: In the saponine treated eyes lens epithelial cells demonstrated vacuolization and moderate damage. In control eyes the lens epithelial cells appeared normal. There was no difference in corneal thickness or morphology between control and treated eyes. Conclusions: Saponine is epitheliotoxic and may be administrated safely with the patented method, demonstrating its potential as a treatment to prevent PCO.
Keywords: posterior capsular opacification (PCO) • pharmacology • drug toxicity/drug effects