# Analyzing the Relationship Between IOL Fixation and PCO Prevention

**Authors:** David Beckers, Florian Kretz, Jodhbir Mehta, Lena Beckers

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/jcm14196947 · 2025-09-30

## TL;DR

This study explores how the way intraocular lenses are fixed in the eye affects the risk of posterior capsular opacification, a common complication after cataract surgery.

## Contribution

The study compares capsulotomy rates between two IOL fixation types to assess their impact on PCO risk.

## Key findings

- FEMTIS IOLs showed lower capsulotomy rates (3.1%) compared to in-the-bag LENTIS lenses (4.7%) at 12 months.
- Capsulotomy fixation may reduce the space for lens epithelial cell migration, potentially lowering PCO risk.
- Early evidence supports anterior fixation as a strategy to improve long-term capsular clarity.

## Abstract

Background: Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) remains the most common long-term complication following cataract surgery. This correspondence investigates whether intraocular lens (IOL) fixation type influences PCO risk by comparing Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates between capsulotomy-fixated (FEMTIS) and conventional in-the-bag IOLs with similar material and edge profiles. Methods: A systematic review was conducted. Eligible studies reporting quantitative YAG rates at ≥3 months of follow-up were included. Results: FEMTIS IOLs demonstrated lower capsulotomy rates (3.1% at 12 months) compared to in-the-bag LENTIS lenses (4.7% at 12 months), despite identical optic designs and identical material. Conclusions: This suggests that capsulotomy fixation may promote closer capsule–optic contact and reduce the potential space for lens epithelial cell migration. While data are limited by study heterogeneity and follow-up duration, early evidence supports anterior fixation as a potential strategy to reduce PCO risk and improve long-term capsular clarity. Further prospective studies are warranted. Limitations include heterogeneous study designs, relatively short follow-up, and reliance on Nd:YAG capsulotomy as the sole endpoint.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** cataract (MONDO:0005129)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** cataract (MESH:D002386), PCO (MESH:D057851)
- **Chemicals:** Nd:YAG (-)

## Figures

1 figure with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12524636/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12524636