Background: The most common consequence following cataract extraction is posterior capsule opacification [PCO], which can occur in as many as half of cases.
Aim of the work: To research the impact of folding intra-ocular lens design - square-edge versus round-edge - in preventing PCO.
Patients and Methods: The ophthalmology department of Al-Azhar University Hospitals was the site of this prospective comparative interventional study. The study involved 40 eyes of patients with cataracts who fulfilled specific selection criteria. Eyes were grouped into: Group A [20 eyes] received hydrophilic round-edge foldable intraocular lenses [IOLs], and Group B [20 eyes] received hydrophilic square-edge foldable IOLs. Patients were followed up for 9 months to evaluate PCO development.
Results: Five cases [25%] in group A and 2 cases [10%] in group B developed PCO at 9 months, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups [P = 0.212]. However, only one case in each group required Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. The two groups did not differ significantly statistically regarding best-corrected visual acuity [P = 0.391] or uncorrected visual acuity [P = 0.981].
Conclusion:  At 9 months, there was no substantial variation in PCO development or in the time of first PCO appearance. In eyes implanted with round or square-edged hydrophilic IOLs, there was no significant association with visual acuity.