Simplified in vitro System for the Evaluation of Lens Epithelial Cell Migration between Posterior Capsule and Intraocular Lens

Abstract

We have developed a simplified method for evaluation of the inhibition effect by intraocuolar lens (IOL) optic edge on migration of lens epithelial cells (LEC) between the posterior capsule and IOL. A sharp-edge acrylic IOL and a round-edge polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) IOL were placed on a collagen type IV membrane in the bottom of a culture chamber. A suspension of cultured porcine LECs was disseminated around the IOL and we observed each quadrant of the optic edge on days 3, 7, 14, and 28 to record the number of points where LECs migrated beneath the IOL. There was significantly more outgrowth of LECs beneath the PMMA IOL compared to the acrylic IOL on days 3, 7, and 14. These in vitro observations of the inhibitory effect of LEC migration were consistent with clinical observations. Our method is simple and easy, and does not require any computer software for image analysis.