Prevention of posterior capsular opacification

Lisanne M Nibourg; Edith Gelens; Roel Kuijer; Johanna M M Hooymans; Theo G van Kooten; Steven A Koopmans

doi:10.1016/j.exer.2015.03.011

Prevention of posterior capsular opacification

Exp Eye Res. 2015 Jul:136:100-15. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.03.011. Epub 2015 Mar 14.

Authors

Lisanne M Nibourg¹, Edith Gelens², Roel Kuijer³, Johanna M M Hooymans⁴, Theo G van Kooten³, Steven A Koopmans⁴

Affiliations

¹ University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Dept. of Ophthalmology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Laboratory for Experimental Ophthalmology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: l.m.nibourg@umcg.nl.
² Nano Fiber Matrices B.V., Zernikepark 6-8, 9747 AN Groningen, The Netherlands.
³ University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
⁴ University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Dept. of Ophthalmology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, W.J. Kolff Institute, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.

PMID: 25783492
DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2015.03.011

Abstract

Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is a common complication of cataract surgery. The development of PCO is due to a combination of the processes of proliferation, migration, and transdifferentiation of residual lens epithelial cells (LECs) on the lens capsule. In the past decades, various forms of PCO prevention have been examined, including adjustments of techniques and intraocular lens materials, pharmacological treatments, and prevention by interfering with biological processes in LECs. The only method so far that seems effective is the implantation of an intraocular lens with sharp edged optics to mechanically prevent PCO formation. In this review, current knowledge of the prevention of PCO will be described. We illustrate the biological pathways underlying PCO formation and the various approaches to interfere with the biological processes to prevent PCO. In this type of prevention, the use of nanotechnological advances can play a role.

Keywords: Capsular opacification; Cataract surgery; Epithelial–mesenchymal transition; Nanostructures; Nanotechnology; Prevention.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Capsule Opacification / etiology
Capsule Opacification / prevention & control*
Cataract Extraction / adverse effects
Cell Movement
Cell Proliferation
Epithelial Cells / pathology
Humans
Lens, Crystalline / pathology
Posterior Capsule of the Lens / pathology*