Flaremetric evaluation of blood-aqueous barrier breakdown in diabetic patients after phacoemulsification and intraocular lenses with or without heparin-coated surface implantation

Background: This study compared the intensity of blood-aqueous barrier breakdown in diabetic patients after phacoemulsification with heparin surface-modified and non-modified intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Material and methods: In this prospective trial, 68 diabetic patients were enrolled and divided into two groups: 33 patients with heparin surface-modified IOL implants (group 1) and 35 patients with standard hydrophobic IOL implants (group 2). Blood-aqueous barrier breakdown was assessed using a Laser Flare Meter 1 day, 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. Results: On postoperative days 1 and 7, the mean flare value was significantly higher in group 2 compared with group 1. On day 14, the mean flare value in both groups was similar and then higher in group 2. Conclusions: The implantation of foldable heparin-coated IOLs led to a lower intensity and faster recovery of blood-aqueous barrier breakdown postoperatively.