The Influence of Inflammation in Posterior Capsule Opacification Development

Abstract

Cataract represents the reduction of the transparency of the crystalline lens. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure worldwide. One of the most common postoperative complication of successfully performed cataract surgery is a development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). In the postoperative period, lens epithelial cells (LECs) undergo proliferation, migration and differentiation, which is clinically manifested by the development of PCO. Inflammation has a central role in these processes. Cytokines, such as transforming growth factor β, fibroblast growth factor, interleukin 1, interleukin 6, matrix metalloproteinases have a huge effect on the activity of LECs. Understanding these processes can find a great usage in clinical practice. By prescribing anti-inflammatory therapy in the early postoperative period, the incidence of PCO can be significantly reduced.

Complications of pupil expansion devices: a large real-world study

“…Furthermore, LECs produce interleukin-1, interleukin-6, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and fibronectin, which activate the transformation of LECs, proliferation, metaplasia around the equator of the anterior capsule, and migration toward the posterior capsule, leading to thickening and hypertrophy ( 24 , 25 ). In addition, cytokines, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) affect LEC activity ( 26 ). Both humoral and cellular immunity involvement after iris manipulation might explain the increased risk of PCO in eyes operated with pupil expansion devices.…”