Posterior capsule opacification. Part 1: Experimental investigations

J Cataract Refract Surg. 1999 Jan;25(1):106-17. doi: 10.1016/s0886-3350(99)80020-0.

Abstract

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most frequent complication associated with decreased vision after cataract surgery. Previous methods of preventing PCO have not proven to be practical, effective, and safe for routine clinical procedure, but some novel concepts and methods have recently been developed. This 2-part review looks at clinical and experimental investigations of PCO, focusing on developments since 1992. Clinical aspects will be presented in a later issue. This paper addresses (1) in vitro models for PCO research; (2) pathophysiology and molecular biology of lens epithelial cells (LECs); (3) prevention of PCO. Of special interest are methods of culturing human LECs obtained by capsulotomy during cataract surgery, including those obtained with an intact capsular bag, to provide an in vitro model for investigating the pathophysiology of LECs; the effect of a sharp bend in the lens capsule that induces contact inhibition of migrating LECs; more specific inhibition of migrating LECs using an immunotoxin, b-FGF-saporin, or EDTA and RGD-peptides.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cataract / etiology*
  • Cataract / physiopathology
  • Cataract / prevention & control
  • Cataract Extraction / adverse effects
  • Epithelial Cells / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lens Capsule, Crystalline / pathology*
  • Lens Capsule, Crystalline / physiopathology
  • Models, Biological