Effect of lens epithelial cell aspiration on postoperative capsulorhexis contraction with the use of the AcrySof intraocular lens: randomized clinical trial.

Purpose To determine whether aspiration of lens epithelial cells (LECs) from under the anterior capsule reduces postoperative contraction of the capsulorhexis aperture. Setting Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom. Methods This prospective randomized observer-masked study comprised 100 patients who had routine phacoemulsification by the same surgeon at a district general hospital in the United Kingdom. The postoperative changes in capsulorhexis apertures and anterior capsule opacification (ACO) between Group A (aspiration of LECs) and Group B (control) were compared. Digital retroillumination images of the capsulorhexis aperture were taken 1 week and 3 months postoperatively. The area of capsulorhexis aperture was determined with computer software, and capsule opacification was graded subjectively. Results Three months postoperatively, the mean decrease in capsulorhexis aperture was 1.9% in Group A and 5.6% in Group B ( P = .02). The ACO at 3 months was grade 2 in 44% of eyes in Group A and in 61% in Group B ( P = .13). Conclusion Aspiration of LECs from the anterior capsule was a safe procedure that reduced capsulorhexis aperture contraction 3 months after cataract surgery.