Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: PCO is one of the most frequent complications of cataract surgery today. It has been shown that the lens epithelial cells can be destroyed chemically, but there are problems to administer this type of drugs safely and locally in the capsular bag in vivo. We here show a newly invented method for safe distribution of epitheliotoxic drugs during cataract surgery as prophylaxis for PCO. Methods: Cataract surgery was performed by phacoemulsification in fresh porcine cadaver eyes. A microliter volume of a dye (phloxine B), was used to simulate administration of an epitheliotoxic drug inside the capsular bag. The experimental setup involved a gas-expanded lens capsule in combination with viscoelastic solutions (Healon; Healon GV; Healon5) and without (control). The distribution of the dye inside the eye was documented using EAS-1000 Scheimpflug photography. Results: The dye spread over the surface of the entire lens capsule without leakage outside the capsular bag, when Healon5 was used in combination with a gas-expanded lens capsule. Despite a small volume, the dye covered the capsule completely. The dye could be safely removed from the capsular bag before the Healon5 was aspirated, without staining other structures in the anterior segment. The method was not successful for the other two viscoelastic solutions. Conclusions: The use of Healon5 made it possible to maintain a gas-expanded lens capsule, which in turn allowed using a minimal dose of a dye that still completely covered the interior lens capsule surface without any leakage to the anterior chamber. This indicates that the method could be used to administrate epitheliotoxic drugs safely. The method was also quick and could easily be included in the normal surgical procedure.
Keywords: posterior capsular opacification (PCO) • imaging/image analysis: non-clinical • pharmacology