Long-Term Clinically Significant Posterior Capsular Opacification Development Pattern in Eyes Implanted with an Aspheric Monofocal Intraocular Lens with a Square Optic Edge

Abstract

Purpose. To analyse the posterior capsular opacification (PCO) development pattern in the long term in eyes implanted with a monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) with a square edge all around the optic. Methods. Longitudinal retrospective study is data analyzed from a total of 7059 eyes from 4764 patients (mean age: 75.8 years) undergoing cataract surgery with implantation of an aspheric monofocal IOL (Bi-Flex HL 677AB/677P, Medicontur, Budapest, Hungary). These data were retrospectively collected using the electronic medical record of the hospitals involved. Nd: YAG capsulotomy rates were calculated per year during a follow-up of more than 10 years. The Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to establish the transparent capsule survival rate. Results. The Nd: YAG capsulotomy rate increased from 1.1% at 1 year postoperatively to 17.2% at 5 years after surgery. No significant differences were found between eyes with and without capsulotomy in terms of age p=0.202, gender p=0.061, type of anaesthesia used p=0.128, and presence of conditions such as hard cataract p=0.111 or pseudoexfoliation p=0.137. IOL power was significantly lower in those eyes of patients requiring Nd: YAG capsulotomy during the follow-up p<0.001. Significantly more eyes implanted with the preloaded model of the IOL required capsulotomy p<0.001. Mean survival time and rate were 9.38 years and 85.9%, respectively. Conclusions. Most eyes undergoing cataract with implantation of the Bi-Flex IOL do not develop a clinically significant PCO requiring Nd: YAG capsulotomy in the long term. IOL material and design may be the main factors accounting for this finding.