Limitation of Scheimpflug videophotography system in quantifying posterior capsule opacification after intraocular lens implantation

Abstract Purpose To assess the applicability of Scheimpflug videophotography system for the quantitative comparison of posterior capsule opacification after intraocular lens (IOL) implantation of different materials. Design Retrospective, nonrandomized, interventional case series. Methods Three groups (n = 15 eyes, each) underwent cataract surgery with implantation of acrylic, silicone, or hydrogel IOL. One year after surgery, the scatter light density at the anterior IOL surface level was measured using EAS-1000. Another three groups (n = 32 eyes, each) received acrylic, silicone, or hydrogel lens. One week after surgery, the scatter light density at the posterior capsule was measured. Results Scatter light density at the anterior IOL surface 1 year after implantation was 7.5 ± 3.0 computer-compatible tape (CCT) steps in the acrylic group, 6.0 ± 2.3 CCT steps in the silicone group, and 5.0 ± 3.2 CCT steps in the hydrogel group; the density in the acrylic group was significantly greater than that in the hydrogel group ( P = .026). Scatter light density at the posterior capsule level 1 week after surgery was 28.3 ± 8.9 CCT steps in the acrylic group, 22.2 ± 2.0 CCT steps in the silicone group, and 26.7 ± 6.7 CCT steps in the hydrogel group; there was a significant difference between the acrylic and silicone groups ( P = .0005) and between the silicone and hydrogel groups ( P = .008). Conclusions The IOL material significantly influences the scatter light density measurements of Scheimpflug videophotography system, and thus the intensity of posterior capsule opacification quantified by this system cannot be directly compared with different optic materials.