Confirmation of the presence of lens epithelial cells in the anterior chamber after phacoemulsification

Abstract

Aims To detect the presence of lens epithelial cells in the anterior chamber of the eye at the end of phacoemulsification. Methods A prospective observational study was carried out on 50 patients undergoing phacoemulsification. Fluid from the anterior chamber was collected from these patients at the end of phacoemulsification. Thirty samples were processed for detection of viability using calcein AM-propidium iodide. Remaining samples were processed for immunofluorescence detection of aA-crystallin and vimentin. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test was applied.Results The presence of lens epithelial cells was confirmed in 27 of the first 30 samples. The total number of cells observed in these 27 samples were 64.70 ± 58.49. Within these 27 samples, 35.5% were live cells and 64.5% were dead. The cells were present as single cell or in groups. Twenty three percentage samples were also positive for nucleated lens fibres. In the remaining 20 samples, 89% cells were confirmed to be lens epithelial cells. Conclusions We show for the first time, the presence of cells in the fluid of the anterior chamber at the end of phacoemulsification. The cells were positive for aA-crystallin and vimentin, thereby suggesting that they were lens epithelial cells.

Islands of lens epithelial cells on the posterior capsule in pseudophakic eyes

“…We found that although the total PCO score depended on the IOL, the natural history of islands of LECs was not influenced by IOL material and there were no morphologic differences in LEC islands between the 3 IOL groups. In a recent observational study, Vasavada et al 4 found that cells floating in the anterior chamber at the end of phacoemulsification were positive for aA-crystallin and vimentin, suggesting they were isolated LECs. It is possible that such cells seed onto the posterior capsule and go on to form clinical PCO.…”

“…4 It is impossible to differentiate between the last 2 possibilities; thus, we grouped the 2 etiologies, labeled them as seeded LECs, and analyzed them together. This study shows that islands of LECs on the posterior capsule are a very common finding in pseudophakic eyes in the first few months after surgery and that the islands are mainly caused by proliferated equatorial LEC membranes that invade the posterior capsule and then regress with time, leaving foci of LECs.…”

Materials in the vitreous during cataract surgery: nature and incidence, with two cases of histological confirmation

“…Moreover, the ingress of macroscopic MIV suggests that other, microscopic materials released during phacoemulsification, such as free radicals or lens epithelial cells, may also be introduced into the vitreous. [24][25][26][27] These materials may possibly play a role in postoperative complications.…”

Post-operative Capsular Opacification: A review

“…In an experimental laboratory study of fresh human cadaver eyes, cortical cleaving hydrodissection combined with rotation removed significant quantities of LECs and residual cortical fibers by way of friction (86). The fact that loose LEC's were found in the fluid collected from capsular bag confirms that these two procedures effectively scrap the LECs that otherwise remain attached to the capsule (87).…”