Effects of pulsed fluid lens capsule washing following phacoemulsification on lens epithelial cells and posterior capsule opacification formation ex vivo

Abstract Background The aim of the study was to evaluate ex vivo the effects of using a custom tip to direct a pulsed stream of fluid to remove residual lens epithelial cells ( LEC s) and reduce posterior capsule opacification ( PCO ) formation following phacoemulsification. Methods Twenty‐four canine cadaver eyes were assigned to one of three treatment groups. Six eyes (Control Group) had standard phacoemulsification only, nine eyes (Group 1) had standard phacoemulsification followed by capsular washing using intermediate settings (power = 40%, pulses per second [ PPS ] = 50, 30 s washing per capsule hemisphere), and nine eyes (Group 2) had standard phacoemulsification followed by aggressive capsular washing (power = 60%, PPS = 50, 60 s washing per capsule hemisphere). Results Control lens capsules had diffuse LEC s remaining following standard phacoemulsification and complete ex vivo PCO formation (confluent LEC s on the posterior capsule) within 4 ± 2 days (range 2–8 days). Group 1 lens capsules had focal, equatorial LEC clusters remaining following treatment, and complete PCO formation within 9 ± 2 days (range 5–11 days). Group 2 lens capsules had little to no LEC s observed following treatment; 5 of 9 capsules had complete PCO formation within 13 ± 2 days (range 9–14 days), and 4 of 9 capsules had no PCO formation by 24 days post‐treatment. Conclusions Pulsed fluid lens capsule washing is capable of removing LEC s and delaying PCO formation in canine eyes following phacoemulsification ex vivo . Use of more aggressive capsular washing settings resulted in more effective LEC removal and subsequent delay of ex vivo PCO .