Endocapsular equator ring may help avert PCO in the long term

Arch Ophthalmol. 2011;129(7):855-863.

A square-edged, closed endocapsular equator ring may prevent posterior capsular opacification years after cataract surgery, a study suggested.

In one group, fourteen eyes received the 9.5-mm closed silicone ring (E-ring) and an IOL. Fellow control eyes received soft or hard IOLs. In the second group, 37 eyes of 23 patients received an E-ring and IOL in either one or two eyes, and 37 age-matched control eyes received only IOLs.

Follow-up ranged from 2 to 7 years, and PCO values were determined using the Hayashi method. Group 1 consisted of patients treated before March 2006, and group 2 consisted of those treated after.

In group 1 at 2 years postop, PCO value in eyes with E-rings was significantly lower than that of controls (P = .005).

None of the eyes with E-rings required a Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy, compared with 45% of control eyes.

According to the study authors, the anterior and posterior capsules in E-ring eyes are separate, thus maintaining aqueous flow and eliminating the need to consider capsulorrhexis size and IOL materials. However, despite effective prevention of PCO, the ring should not be used in eyes with disorders of the posterior capsule or Zinn ligaments, they added.

To minimize increased flare, the study authors will reduce the height and width of the E-ring going forward.