EFFECT OF TWO CAPSULOTOMY METHODS ON POSTERIOR CAPSULE OPACIFICATION AFTER CATARACT SURGERY

Background-To determine the effect of anterior capsulotomy methods on posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after cataract surgery. Methods-A total of 314 eyes was examined retrospectively following intraocular lens implantation within capsular bag between February 1991 and December 1999. Patients were divided into two groups according to anterior capsulotomy techniques, envelope capsulotomy and continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (CCC). Patients were followed up for 6 to 94 (mean 42) months. Results-Posterior capsule opacification developed in 57 of 314 eyes. The distributions of PCO were 40 of 168 eyes (23.8%) in envelope capsulotomy and 17 of 146 eyes (11.6%) in CCC. Occurance of posterior capsule opacification in anterior capsulotomy group with CCC was less than envelope capsulotomy group (p<0.005). Using log-rank test, the hazard of occurring PCO was significantly greater in envelope than CCC group (p=0.004). Conclusion-CCC decreases the incidence of PCO compared to envelope capsulotomy.