Long-term capsule clarity with a disk-shaped intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term capsular clarity with a modified disk-shaped 1-piece hydrophilic acrylic monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) (Zephyr) suspended between 2 complete haptic rings connected by a pillar of the haptic material.

SETTING: John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

DESIGN: Experimental study.

METHODS: Study and control (1-piece hydrophobic acrylic) IOLs were implanted into the right and left eyes, respectively, of 8 New Zealand rabbits. Eyes were examined at the slitlamp at set intervals for 6 months. At the end of the clinical follow-up, the globes were enucleated and capsular clarity was scored from the posterior view (Miyake-Apple technique). Then, all the eyes were processed for a complete histopathological evaluation.

RESULTS: At 6 months, the slitlamp evaluation showed a posterior capsule opacification score of 0.28 ± 0.26 (SD) in the study group and 4 ± 0 in the control (P < .0001, paired t test). The anterior capsule was generally clear in the study group. This parameter was difficult to analyze in the control group because of synechiae formation and poor pupil dilation.

CONCLUSIONS: The degree of capsular bag clarity observed at 6 months postoperatively in the study eyes in this rabbit model was exceptional. It was likely because of the IOL design, keeping the capsular bag open and expanded, and minimizing contact between the IOL and the anterior capsule.