Endocapsular equator rings prevent posterior capsular opacification

An investigation published in the Archives of Ophthalmology shows that the 9.5 mm E-ring prevents posterior capsular opacification (PCO) in patients after cataract surgery.

Dr Tsutomu Hara et al., Hara Eye Hospital, Utsunomiya, Japan, studied 51 eyes that underwent cataract surgery and E-ring implantation. The patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 consisted of 14 patients who received an E-ring and IOL in one eye and just an IOL in the fellow eye. Group 2 included 37 eyes of 23 patients who received an E-ring and IOL in one or both eyes and 37 age-matched control eyes who received an IOL implant only. There was a follow-up period of 2 to 7 years and the PCO value was assessed using the Hayashi method.

The results found that, 2 years postoperatively, the PCO value in the central area of the eyes with an E-ring were considerably lower in group 1 than in the control eyes.

Patients who received an E-ring did not require additional postoperative Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy compared with 23 of the 51 control eyes.