Evaluation of intraoperative capsular polishing on lens epithelial cells and the development of posterior capsule opacification

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO), a late complication of cataract surgery, occurs due to a robust wound-healing response. PCO develops in approximately 20–30% of patients after cataract surgery. Two years post cataract extraction surgery, approximately 15% of patients will develop PCO, rising to approximately 31.9% by 4 years after surgery. Posterior capsular opacification can be easily treated by performing a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd-YAG) laser capsulotomy. However, even if laser capsulotomy is considered a simple procedure, possible complications are rise of intraocular pressure, inflammation, cystoid macular edema, or retinal detachment. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of capsular polishing on the development of PCO.