LOCAL CLINICAL TRIAL OF POSTERIOR CAPSULE OPACIFICATION DEVELOPMENT AFTER CATARACT SURGERY

A long-term outcome in most human and canine cataract patients, Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO) results in variable (generally slight-mild) degrees of haze in the visual axis as a result of cells migrating from the equator of the lens to the posterior capsule. Many human patients subsequently have an Nd:YAG laser posterior laser capsulotomy to remove the hazy posterior capsule. This procedure has previously been attempted in canine patients, but requires higher energy levels that are more detrimental than beneficial within the eye. For this reason, finding additional means of reducing PCO is extremely relevant to the field of veterinary ophthalmology.

Our PCO Development Study will evaluate the long-term (one year) inhibition of PCO utilizing a Capsular Tension Ring (CTR) in bilateral canine cataract patients.  Capsular tension rings rest in the equator of the lens and help to physically block cells from being able to migrate to the posterior lens capsule. Aside from the random selection of one eye to receive the CTR (at no additional cost), all other aspects of the surgery and post-operative therapy are identical to our standard cataract surgery protocol.

Candidates for the PCO Development Study: We believe the greatest benefit/reduction in PCO will be seen in cases with higher potential for active equatorial lens epithelial cells, namely in young dogs and diabetic dogs with rapid-onset, intumescent cataracts.

Please contact us at 757-749-4838 if you have a patient that could benefit from this study!