The role of systemic inflammation in the development of posterior capsule opacification after cataract surgery

Background: Inflammation has a major role in proliferation, migration and differentiation of lens epithelial cells after cataract surgery, which is clinically manifested as posterior capsule opacification (PCO). We aimed to assess a link between serum inflammatory indicators and the risk of developing PCO. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts from all patients who underwent neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy in our department between 2021 and 2022. A total of 30 patients who underwent Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy following cataract surgery and 29 pseudophakic controls were included. Complete blood count (CBC) parameters were obtained from medical records. Results: The mean age of the patients was 72.05±9.15 years. No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of age and sex distribution. Even though neutrophil count was higher and lymphocyte count was lower in the Nd:YAG laser group, the difference in initial and postoperative complete blood count parameters was not significant among groups (p>0.05). The mean initial and final values of NLR, PLR and MLR was higher than control group with no statistical significance (p>0.05). Conclusion: Some serum inflammation parameters tend to be higher in patients with PCO with no statistical significance. In the future, more works are needed to evaluate the role of systemic inflammation in the pathogenesis of PCO.