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Posterior capsule morphology determinants of visual function

  • Clinical Investigation
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Abstract

Background

This study explores the relative influence of fibrosis and pearl-type posterior capsule opacification (PCO) on visual function. It also examines the relevance of analyzing different central areas of posterior capsule on visual function.

Methods

Thirty-eight eyes of 33 patients had their vision tested and posterior capsules photographed digitally. Each patient then underwent Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. Patients returned 1 week later for repeat vision tests and photography. Analyses of areas of pearls and fibrosis were performed using the EPCO software system. The difference in these values before and after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was compared to change in vision for each patient. The effect of analyzing the central 1.5-, 2.5- and 3.5-mm zones was studied.

Results

Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis shows that improvements in distance and near acuity are most strongly related to the central 1.5–2.5 mm of fibrosis and the central 3.5 mm of pearls. Improvements in contrast sensitivity are most strongly related to the central 1.5 mm of both fibrosis and pearls.

Conclusion

In the assessment of PCO, the location and morphology of opacification correlate with visual function. Central fibrosis and paraxial pearls are important determinants of visual dysfunction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Eye Pavilion, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH3 9HA, UK

    Tariq Mehmood Aslam & Baljean Dhillon

  2. Statistics Advisor, School of Built Environment, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

    Peter Aspinall

Authors
  1. Tariq Mehmood Aslam
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  2. Peter Aspinall
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  3. Baljean Dhillon
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Tariq Mehmood Aslam.

Additional information

No proprietary interest in any product mentioned

Study partly funded by grant from Royal college of surgeons, Edinburgh

The authors would like to thank Camilla Volcic, Edinburgh University, for her assistance in translation of selected text.

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Aslam, T.M., Aspinall, P. & Dhillon, B. Posterior capsule morphology determinants of visual function. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 241, 208–212 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-003-0626-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00417-003-0626-8

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