[Configuration of the capsular sack after implantation of posterior chamber lenses].

The effect of posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC-IOLs) on the capsular bag was investigated in human cadaver eyes. Short-term changes were observed with different PC-IOLs directly after experimental implantation. Long-term results were obtained from postmortem eyes with PC-IOLs. Mean implant duration was 2.5 years. The average diameter of the capsular bag in the loop axis was 11.0 mm for 12.0 mm IOLs and 11.5 mm for 13.5-14.0 mm IOLs in the short-term study. Longer loops caused more ovaling of the bag with stress lines on the posterior capsule. The average diameter of the capsular bag in the long term study was 10.6 mm. Secondary processes such as capsular fibrosis and lens epithelial cell proliferation caused the capsular bag to shrink and thus to assume a more circular configuration. The area of contact between the IOL loops and the capsular equator was significantly lower in eyes with radial tears and IOLs with J-loop design when compared to C-loops. The maximal capsular diameter in both the long-term and short-term observations never exceeded 12.0 mm. The results of our study suggest that a 12.0 mm total diameter IOL is sufficient for stable fixation, provided that capsular bag implantation can be assured.