Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) following cataract surgery occurs primarily due to:

• A Ingrowth of vitreous collagen fibers through the posterior capsule
• B Retained anterior epithelial cells migrating and undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition on the posterior capsule ✓
• C Deposition of fibrin from disrupted blood-aqueous barrier
• D Foldable IOL material degradation producing opaque byproducts

Explanation

PCO results from residual lens epithelial cells (LECs) — primarily equatorial 'E-cells' — that undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) after surgery, migrating posteriorly across the posterior capsule and differentiating into myofibroblasts, producing fibrous Elschnig's pearls and fibrotic posterior capsule wrinkling. Square-edge IOL design creates a barrier effect that mechanically impedes LEC migration, reducing PCO incidence significantly compared to round-edge designs.

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.