Effect of Anterıor and Posterıor Capsular Polıshıng on the Rate of Posterıor Capsule Opacıfıcatıon

Aim: To analyze whether anterior and posterior capsule polishing after lens cortex cleaning done by phacoemulsification has any effect on the rate of posterior capsule opacification (PCO).

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Materials and Methods: A total of 587 with cataract who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups. The anterior capsule and posterior capsule polishing procedure after lens cortex cleaning was carried out in 271 patients (Group 1) and not carried out in 316 patients (Group 2). The posterior capsule was evaluated by using the retroillumination technique on the biomicroscope by one ophthalmologist.

Results: The mean age was 65.33±13.90 (18-93) years in group 1 and 67.32±11.72 (22-95) years in group 2. PCO developed in 9 of 271 patients (3.3%) in group 1 and 39 of 316 patients (12.3%) in group 2. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Comparison of the two groups for PCO development at the 6th nd 12th months revealed a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) with less PCO in group 1 at both time points. The mean follow-up duration was 29.72±2.7 (24-37) months.

Conclusion: Our study shows that the PCO rates showed a statistically significant decrease in patients who underwent anterior and posterior capsule polishing during cataract surgery. The combination of anterior capsule and posterior capsule polishing may significantly reduce the rate of PCO development.