Purpose: To evaluate the quantitative cytological response to AcrySof (Alcon) intraocular lenses (IOLs) in an Indian population by studying the incidence, fate, progression, and severity of cell deposits after uneventful phacoemulsification.
Setting: Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Center, Ahmedabad, India.
Method: This clinical prospective study comprised 64 eyes of 64 healthy patients with senile cataract and no other ocular pathology having phacoemulsification and implantation of an AcrySof IOL. The eyes were observed for cell deposits. One week and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 15 months postoperatively, specular reflex was obtained by slitlamp biomicroscopy under x 20 magnification to record the incidence, progression, morbidity, and severity of small and large (including giant) cells on the IOLs.
Results: The highest incidence of small cells was 18.7%. The cell deposits appeared at 1 week, peaked at 1 month, and were gone after 6 months. The severity was never more than grade 2 (5 to 10 cells). The highest incidence of large cells, including giant cells, was 23.4%. The deposits appeared at 1 month, peaked at 3 months, and were gone after 12 months. The severity was never more than grade 2 (3 to 5 cells). The highest incidence of giant cells was 6.2%. The deposits appeared at 3 months and were gone by 15 months. Severity was never more than grade 1 (2 cells). No IOL had cell deposits at the last follow-up (mean 14 months +/- 3.25 [SD]).
Conclusions: The incidence, and especially the severity, of cell deposits in the Indian population was low. All cell types, including giant cells, disappeared within 12 months. This could reflect the biocompatibility of the AcrySof IOL and the appropriate surgical technique.