Lens Epithelium and Posterior Capsular Opacification

This book is the first to summarize the current knowledge of the cell biology of lens epithelial cells in relation to and in the development of posterior capsular opacification (PCO). PCO remains the most common long-term complication of modern cataract surgery, occurring months or years after cataract surgery, unlike most other complications that tend to arise during or soon after the procedure. Opacification of the posterior capsule appears to be linked to lens epithelial cells that are left behind in the eye during cataract removal. These cells proliferate, migrate across the posterior lens capsule, and undergo changes that result in fibrous or pearl-type opacities in the capsule.

The first section of the text explains the molecular mechanism and biology of lens epithelial cells that lead to the incidence of PCO. In the second part, in addition to a description of the mechanism and pathological condition of PCO, surgical methods and devices for preventing PCO are discussed in detail. Lens Epithelium and Capsular Opacification will benefit not only young clinical residents and junior researchers, but also established faculty in the clinical or basic academic field.

Shizuya Saika, M.D. , Ph.D.

Dr. Shizuya Saika is chairman/professor of the Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama, Japan. Dr. Saika completed his M.D. in 1988 and his Ph.D. in 1993 from this university. He was also engaged in basic science research in the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Ohio, USA, in 1998 –1999. He has been engaged in basic science research in wound healing of lens and cornea besides his clinical work, especially of surgeries for cataract, glaucoma and vitreoretinal disorders.

Liliana Werner, M.D., Ph.D.

Liliana Werner, M.D., Ph.D., is a tenured associate professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences and co-director of the Intermountain Ocular Research Center at the John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. She has an M.D. degree from Brazil and a Ph.D. degree (biomaterials) from France. Dr. Werner’s research is centered on the interaction between ocular tissues and different intraocular lens designs, materials and surface modifications. These include intraocular lenses implanted after cataract surgery and also phakic lenses for refractive surgery as well as ophthalmic implantable devices in general.

Frank J. Lovicu, Ph.D.

Dr. Frank J. Lovicu is a professor in the School of Medical Sciences, in the Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, Bosch Institute and Save Sight Institute, at the University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. He currently heads the Lens Research Laboratory in Anatomy and Histology, where he primarily studies the role of growth factor signaling in regulating lens cell behavior. His research promotes the understanding of the cellular and molecular processes leading to normal lens development and growth, as well as those leading to cataract. His research findings have the potential for development of new strategies to treat and/or prevent cataract.