The Changes of Anterior Capsular Opening Area according to the Materials of Intraocular Lens

Purpose : We examined the extent of anterior capsular constriction after continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis according to the initial area of opening, the postoperative period, and the material of optics of intraocular lens(IOL). Patients and Methods : We measured the area of anterior capsular opening 1 day, 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Sixty five eyes of 50 patients with poly“methyl methacrylate”(PMMA), foldable silicone, and foldable acrylic IOLs were included. Results : There was no significant correlation between the initial area and the extent of anterior capsular constriction(r=0.090, p=0.476). There was significant reduction during the postoperative 3 months but, thereafter, the changes of the area was insignificant. The mean reduction size was larger in order of foldable silicone, PMMA, and foldable acrylic IOL. The difference between foldable silicone and acrylic IOLs was statistically significant(p=0.009). Those between foldable silicone and PMMA IOLs(p=0.580) or between PMMA and foldable acrylic IOLs(p=0.135) was not significant. Conclusions : The appropriate choice of IOL should be considered as the strategy to reduce the contraction of anterior capsular opening after continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis.