Posterior capsule opacification with two similar-design hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses: 3-year results of a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare intraindividually the incidence and intensity of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates between two similar open-loop single-piece hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) differing slightly in their particular material, optic surface and sharp posterior edge design over a period of 3 years.

Setting: Department of Opthalmology, Medical University Vienna.

Design: Randomized, prospective, patient- and examiner-masked clinical trial with intraindividual comparison.

Methods: 100 patients randomly received a Vivinex XY1 IOL in one eye and a Clareon CNA0T0 IOL in the fellow eye. The amount of PCO (score: 0 - 10) was assessed subjectively and objectively with digital retroillumination picturs using automated image analysis software (AQUA). Best-corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) as well as the presence of glistenings, subjective visual symptoms and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rate were noted.

Results: 67 of 100 patients were available for the 3-years follow-up examination. The objective PCO score of the Vivinex XY1 IOLs was 1.0 ± 1.0 compared to the PCO score of 1.5 ± 1.2 for the Clareon CNA0T0 IOLs (p < 0.001). 7.5% of patients had a neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy in the Vivinex XY1 eye, and 9.0% had a capsulotomy in the Clareon CNA0T0 eye (p = 1.0).

Conclusion: Both hydrophobic acrylic IOLs showed low PCO and YAG rates with a small but significant favor of the Vivinex XY1 IOL compared to the Clareon CNA0T0 IOL. The interaction of various factors such as hydrophobic material, smooth optic surface and sharp posterior optic edge is the major key for PCO prevention.