[Evaluation of posterior capsule opacification after extracapsular cataract extraction with and without implantation of intraocular lens].

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was evaluation of the rate of posterior capsule opacification after extracapsular cataract extraction with and without implantation of intraocular lens.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The clinical material comprised 77 patients operated on in the years 1990-1994. Only the cases in which visual acuity exceeded 5/10 were included into the study. 107 eyes were examined, among them 75 after implantation of posterior chamber intraocular lens.

RESULTS

Opacification of the posterior capsule occurred in 37 eyes, but only in 25 of 75 eyes in the patients with implantation of the artificial lens. We found that following extracapsular cataract extraction without implantation of intraocular lens, opacification of the posterior capsule occurs more frequently, especially during 1-2 years after the surgery.

CONCLUSION

Cortical-nuclear cataract and not much advanced age are factors predisposing for greater rate of opacification of the posterior capsule after extracapsular cataract extraction.