Three-year clinical comparison of 3-piece AcrySof and SI-40 silicone intraocular lenses

PURPOSE: To compare the 3-year performance of the 3-piece AcrySof (Alcon) and the SI-40 silicone (Allergan) intraocular lenses (IOLs). SETTING: John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. METHODS: In this retrospective study, patients with no complications and at least a 3-year follow-up after IOL implantation were examined for signs of inflammation, visual function, posterior capsule opacification (PCO), and satisfaction. RESULTS: One hundred eleven patients were enrolled with equivalent visual acuity, inflammation, and PCO parameters. The AcrySof eyes had less anterior capsule opacification and more intralenticular inclusions than the other group. Complete anterior capsule overlap was associated with decreased PCO, and significantly more SI-40 eyes had complete anterior capsule overlap. CONCLUSIONS: The second-generation silicone IOL was equivalent to the 3-piece AcrySof in patient satisfaction, visual function, inflammation, and PCO. The amount of anterior capsule overlap on the IOL may help to explain the study differences.