Glistenings 9 Years After Phacoemulsification In Hydrophobic And Hydrophilic Acrylic Intraocular Lenses

Chang A1, Kugelberg M2.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare the development of glistenings after implantation of a hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) (AcrySof SA60AT) and a hydrophilic IOL (BL27) and evaluate the effect on corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and contrast sensitivity 9 years postoperatively.

SETTING: St. Erik Eye Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical trial.

METHODS: One of 3 experienced cataract surgeons performed standard phacoemulsification in 1 eye of each patient. The patients were randomized to implantation of a hydrophobic acrylic IOL or a hydrophilic acrylic IOL. Both IOLs had sharp posterior edges. The CDVA and contrast sensitivity were measured 9 years postoperatively. Scheimpflug images of the IOLs were obtained to analyze glistenings, which were graded subjectively at the slitlamp and quantified objectively with digital image analysis using computer software.

RESULTS: Seventy-eight of the 120 patients were available for the 9-year follow-up examination. Patients with the hydrophilic IOL had statistically significantly fewer glistenings (P < .001). The development of glistenings was not correlated with IOL power, CDVA, or contrast sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS: After 9 years, the hydrophobic IOL developed more glistenings than the hydrophilic IOL. Glistenings did not affect CDVA or contrast sensitivity.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Neither author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

J Cataract Refract Surg. 2015 Jun;41(6):1199-204. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2014.09.038. Epub 2015 Jun 19.

PMID: 26100954

Copyright © 2015 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Author information:

  1. From the St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Electronic address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  2. From the St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.