AIM: To evaluate the effect of sharp-edged capsule tension ring(CTR)on posterior capsule opacification(PCO).

METHODS: Twenty eyes of New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. After phacoemulsification, the experimental group was implanted with CTR and Crane OV-55C intraocular lens(IOL), and the control group was implanted with Crane OV-55C IOL only. Complications and PCO were observed by slit lamp microscope. Three months after surgery, light microscope and transmission electron microscope examinations were performed.

RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the experimental group and the control group about PCO and Soemmering's ring formation(P>0.05). Pathological evaluations revealed lens epithelial cells(LECs)accumulated at the equatorial capsule forming a large Soemmering's ring and abundant LECs were migrated onto the posterior capsule forming a thick layer in both experimental group and the control group.

CONCLUSION: Sharp-edged CTR fail to retard PCO formation and development in rabbits and it is nessessary to improve it.