Sealed-capsule irrigation with distilled deionized water to prevent posterior capsule opacification--prospective, randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sealed-capsule irrigation (SCI) using distilled water (DW) to prevent posterior capsule opacification (PCO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phacoemulsification was performed in 60 patients. Patients were randomly selected into groups. In the control the capsular bag was mechanically cleaned (MC), in the DW group DW for 3' in SCI was additionally applied. SN60WF IOL was implanted in all eyes. Examinations were performed before and 1, 30, 180 days, one and two years after surgery. Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA, CDVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), surgically induced astigmatism (K2-SIA), spherical equivalent (SEQ), endothelial cell and the complications were examined. Total PCO score in the area of 1 and 3 mm zone and capsulorhexis (CAPS) were determined using EPCO 2000. One patient was withdrawn from the DW group as he did not report for the examinations.

RESULTS

As far as safety parameters are concerned, no differences were observed between groups in two-year follow-up (p > 0.05). However, in the DW group the endothelial cell loss was higher (p < 0.05). Total PCO score differences were observed in both groups between the areas (p < 0.05). In the CAPS area, both Total PCO score and PCO area were decreased in the DW group (p < 0.05). PCO was also lower within 3 mm zone in the DW group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

SCI is a safe procedure and the endothelial cells loss can be associated with the Perfect Capsule™ device (Milvella) in the anterior chamber insertion. DW irrigated for 3' reduces PCO in long-term follow-up.