New methods for the prevention of posterior capsule opacification

Even though tremendous advances have been made especially during the last 10-15 years in terms of surgical techniques and improvement of implant technology, posterior capsule opacification (PCO) still remains a serious long-term complication. New clinical and laboratory studies (especially of autopsy eyes) have improved our understanding of how IOL design and material influence PCO, Sharp edge optic designs of IOLs of various materials have been shown to significantly reduce secondary cataract. The application of pharmacological substances selectively into the capsular bag is now possible due to the development of the PerfectCapsule (TM) System for vacuum-sealed capsule irrigation. Major advances in other areas of biotechnology and immunology including gene therapeutic methods offer totally new approaches for the future in the elimination of lens epithelium cells from the capsular bag. This survey gives an update on current and future means and trends to reduce or prevent PCO formation.