Objective: To investigate the anti-proliferation effect of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on bovine lens epithelial cells (BLEC) on the surface of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) intraocular lens (IOL).
Methods: BLECs were incubated in vitro on the surface of PMMA IOLs. The cultural media contained LMWH (1 x 10(5) U/L) or normal heparin (1 x 10(5) U/L) or none of them (control). Cells were counted by flow cytometry.
Results: The heparin or LMWH treated BLECs on the surface of PMMA IOLs showed immature appearance, while the BLECs in the control group showed a tendency of fibrosis. The numbers of BLECs (per ml) in the digested solution from the surface of IOLs were 878.2 +/- 107.8 (control), 545.5 +/- 58.2 (heparin) and 407.8 +/- 36.6 (LMWH). The comparisons among the three groups showed significant differences (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Low molecular weight heparin inhibits proliferation of lens epithelial cells on the surface of intraocular lens, which could be used as a potential drug to prevent the occurrence of postoperative capsular opacification after IOL implantation.