Abstract

P 079

Evaluation of laser capsule polishing for prevention of PCO in a human in vitro model

Burger J., Kreutzer T. C., Alge-Priglinger C. S., Kampik A., Priglinger S. G.
Department of Ophthalmology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a laser photolysis system (A.R.C. Laser^®) for prevention of posterior capsule opacification in a human capsular tension ring supported in vitro PCO model.
Methods: „0pen sky“cataract extraction was performed on 24 human donor eyes. Capsular bags were accurately cleaned from remaining cortex. Remaining lens epithelial cells (LEC) were removed by capsular laser polishing using the laser photolysis system. The energy tested ranged from 3.12 mJ to 5 mJ and frequency ranged from 2 Hz to 6 Hz. In six donor eyes (group I) capsular polishing was performed on the anterior and posterior capsule of 180º. The other 180º of the capsules remained untreated. In group II (six capsules) laser treatment was performed circularly (360º). The contralateral eyes served as control group. Before excision and transfer into organ culture all capsules were stabilized with a capsular tension ring (Morcher^®, Type 13). Capsules were observed in organ culture up to 90 days. Microscopic evaluation of the LEC growth was performed every second days using a graticule.
Results: In vitro investigation of capsule polishing revealed successful removal of LEC using energy levels higher than 3.75 mJ. Group I showed no evidence of remaining LEC in the 180º area treated. However, remaining LEC of the untreated area lead to a complete monolayer of proliferating LEC on the posterior capsule after 9.5 days (±SD 1,05). In contrast untreated lens capsules showed a complete LEC monolayer after 8.17 days (±SD 1.15) (P=0,033). In Group II (360º treatment) no signs of remaining LEC or cell growth could be observed using energy levels higher than 3.75 mJ. When applying energy levels less than 3.12 mJ some LEC remained on the anterior or posterior capsule resulting in delayed cells growth.
Conclusions: In vitro investigation in a human PCO model revealed successful removal of remaining LEC by lens capsule polishing with the laser photolysis system. Further in vivo tests will have to approve the potential role of laser capsule polishing in prevention of PCO.

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