Comparison of Scheimpflug images of posterior capsule opacification and histological findings in rabbits and humans.

PURPOSE

To compare the posterior capsule opacification in Scheimpflug photographic images produced by an electronic anterior eye segment analysis system with the histopathological findings in rabbits and humans.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical College, Japan.

METHODS

Opacified posterior capsules were photographed using the EAS-1000 system (Nidek) and were then extracted during vitreous surgery for proliferative diabetic retinopathy or proliferative vitreoretinopathy in 2 patients. In rabbits, phacoemulsification and aspiration (PEA) with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation was performed. The IOL was implanted in the bag or in the sulcus. After intervals of healing, the posterior capsule was photographed with the EAS-1000 and the animals were then killed. In both clinical and experimental specimens, the posterior capsule was processed for light microscopic histology and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Opacified human capsules were well imaged by the EAS-1000. Histology showed that lens epithelial cells proliferated with and without an accumulation of extracellular matrix. Details such as rolling of the capsulotomy edge were seen well. Regenerated lens fibers of Soemmering's ring were seen as a mass within the capsule. In the rabbit model, Scheimpflug images accurately represented the capsules as they appeared histologically.

CONCLUSION

The EAS-1000 system provided faithful, relatively high-resolution images that corresponded to the histologic findings in the posterior capsules after PEA-IOL surgery in humans and rabbits.