IOL type increases capsular block risk

The incidence of capsular block syndrome (CBS), although rare, can be increased by design features of lenses implanted during cataract surgery, according to a study published in the March 2008 issue of the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.

Hong Kyun Kim, MD and Jae Pil Shin, MD, PhD of the Department of Ophthalmology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea reviewed 990 patients (1100 eyes) implanted with posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOLs) following cataract surgery in the period January 2003–June 2006.

The incidence of postoperative CBS (which was classified as noncellular, inflammatory or fibrotic) was 0.73% (n=8). Statistically significant risk factors for CBS development were identified as longer axial length (AL; odds ratio, 5.75) and the implantation of a four-haptic PC IOL (Akreos Adapt, Bausch & Lomb; odds ratio, 7.388).

The researchers concluded that AL and PC IOL design features could increase the likelihood of postoperative CBS development.