Study notes changes in capsular bag dimensions after IOL implantation

J Cataract Refract Surg. 2011; 37(10):1775-1784

A study evaluating capsular bag size and accommodative modifications before and after cataract surgery found that all measured parameters other than the ciliary apex-capsular bag plane showed significant variation after IOL implantation.

Twenty-four eyes were measured for anterior chamber depth, capsular bag thickness, capsular bag diameter, ciliary ring diameter, sulcus-to-sulcus diameter, ciliary process-capsular bag distance, ciliary apex-capsular bag plane, capsular bag volumes and IOL tilting.

Capsular bag volumes were calculated preoperatively and at 12 months postop; the remainder of the measurements were taken preoperatively and at 1, 2 and 12 months postop. Ultrasound biomicroscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography were utilized in gathering the measurements.

During accommodation, only the anterior chamber depth showed no significant modification.

"We believe that our results may prove helpful in improving IOL design to obtain optimum predictable performance in the capsular bag," the study authors said. "To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the preoperative and postoperative size and movements of the capsular bag with a 1-year follow-up in consecutive patients having cataract extraction."