The Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ National Ophthalmology Database study of cataract surgery: Report 9, Risk factors for posterior capsule opacification

Background/Objectives Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO) is the most common long-term post-operative adverse occurrence after cataract surgery often requiring treatment with YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. This study aimed to identify potential risk factors, known at the time of cataract surgery, that influence the development of PCO. Subject/Methods A retrospective study of publicly funded cataract surgery from The Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ National Ophthalmology Database. Eligible for analysis were 500,872 cataract operations performed in 41 participating centres. Results The 500,872 operations were performed on 243,167 (48.5%) left eyes and 257,705 (51.5%) right eyes from 373,579 patients by 2196 surgeons. Post-cataract PCO was recorded for 61,778 (12.3%) eyes and the six month, one, three, five and nine year observed rates of PCO were 2.3%, 4.4%, 19.7%, 34.0% and 46.9% respectively. Different PCO profiles were observed between IOL materials and the identified risk factors that increased the risk of developing PCO included hydrophilic IOL material, axial length >26 mm, the presence of high myopia and implantation of lower IOL powers and previous vitrectomy surgery, along with younger age and female gender. Conclusions Many factors influence the development of PCO relating to the patient, the eye, the lens and the surgery. Some factors are modifiable such as IOL material, therefore the opportunity exists to attempt to reduce PCO rates, benefitting patients and the UK NHS.