Jurowski, P; Gos, R; Piasecka, G
Purpose: To measure the nitric oxide (NO) level in the
aqueous humor of rabbit eyes after common cataract surgery techniques. Setting: Department of
Ophthalmology, Military Medical University, and Department of Immunology and Immunotoxicology of
Respiratory System, Clinic of Pneumonology and Allergology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz,
Poland. Methods: Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups, and surgery was performed as
follows: Group 1, extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)
intraocular lens (IOL) implantation; Group 2, ECCE; Group 3, phacoemulsification and foldable
acrylic IOL implantation; Group 4, phacoemulsification. The aqueous humor specimens were
collected on days 1, 3, and 5. Nitric oxide measurements were performed indirectly with a
spectrophotometer. The NO level in the aqueous humor collected before surgery served as a control
group. Results: In the physiological condition, the concentration of NO was 26.52 nm/dL +/- 4.86
(SD). Postoperatively, the highest NO level in each groups was as follows: Group 1, 46.26 +/-
5.23 nm/dL on day 3; Group 2, 72.46 +/- 6.94 nm/dL on day 1; Group 3, 41.04 +/- 7.31 nm/dL on day
1; and Group 4, 32.67 +/- 2.84 nm/dL on day 3. Significantly higher levels of NO (P <.05) were
observed in Groups 1 and 2 at each follow-up day; in Group 3, on days 1 and 3; and in Group 4, on
day 3. Conclusions: Techniques of cataract extraction caused the NO level to increase; however,
phacoemulsification with a foldable IOL caused the smallest release of NO. Rapid postoperative NO
changes may theoretically contribute to blood-aqueous barrier breakdown secondary to cataract
surgery.