PCO effectively reduced with distilled water, aggressive agents

LISBON, Portugal — Sealed capsular irrigation with sterile distilled water or possibly more aggressive agents seems to effectively reduce posterior capsular opacification formation, according to one surgeon speaking at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting.

Seventeen patients who underwent sealed capsular irrigation (SCI) treatment following standard phacoemulsification have shown a visible tendency towards less fibrotic reaction after 1 to 2 years compared with controls, with no adverse effect related to the treatment, said Gerd U. Auffarth, MD.

The procedure is performed by using a special “Perfect Capsule” device from Milvella (Australia) and provides a vacuum seal to the capsular bag.

“After lens removal, the device is placed on the capsulorrhexis opening and firmly plugged onto the capsular bag by creating a vacuum. Two holes allow for in-and-out irrigation. In this safe, enclosed compartment you can apply any kind of substance for cleaning the capsular bag without damaging the surrounding tissues,” Dr. Auffarth said.

No reduction of endothelial cell count is produced by the device, and both pachymetry and visual acuity outcomes are identical to those of the control group. This is so far the safest procedure for PCO prevention, Dr. Auffarth said.

“We need longer follow-ups to evaluate the results in the long term, and we are also considering the use of other agents, such as hyperosmolar solutions or cytostatic drugs,” he said.