Capsule-bending ring for the prevention of posterior capsule opacification

Abstract

In 64 patients, a capsule-bending ring (CBR), an open poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) ring with a truncated edge profile that should create a sharp bend in the equatorial capsule, was implanted in one eye of patients with a hydroxy(ethyl methacrylate) (HEMA) intraocular lens (IOL). The contralateral eye received only the IOL as control. Anterior capsule opacification (ACO) and shrinkage were significantly reduced in the eyes with the ring. Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) score (EPCO) was 0.235 ± 0.215, 0.287 ± 0.200, and 0.398 ± 0.248 with the ring and 0.530 ± 0.190, 0.670 ± 0.225, and 1.111 ± 0.298 without the ring, at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively (P < 0.01 at each period). Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was performed in 4 eyes with ring and 17 eyes without the ring, respectively, after 2 years (P < 0.01). The CBR significantly reduced anterior capsular fibrosis and shrinkage as well as PCO. The ring may be useful for those patients who are at high risk of developing eye complications from capsular opacification requiring Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, for those who are expected to undergo vitreoretinal surgery and photocoagulation by facilitating better fundus visualization, and for those who have pediatric cataracts.