AIM: To investigate the inflammatory reaction in the anterior chamber after cataract surgery for the heparin surface modified foldable hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens(HSM-IOL)by laser flare-cell meter.

METHODS: The test group consisted of 22 patients(22 eyes)in whom a HSM-IOL was implanted in the capsular bag(HSM-IOL group). There was one control group including 21 patients(21 eyes)who received a normal foldable hydrophilic acrylic IOL(uncoated IOL group). Anterior chamber flare and cell values were measured, using laser flare-cell meter preoperatively and 1, 7, 28d postoperatively.

RESULTS: In the HSM-IOL group, the flare and the cells values were significantly lower than those in the uncoated IOL group 1d and 7d postoperatively. Between the two groups, there were no significant differences in cells and the level of flare on the 28d postoperative.

CONCLUSION: HSM-IOL can decrease inflammation in early postoperative stage, compared with the uncoated IOL. The laser flare-cell meter provides a safe and objective technique for measuring inflammation in anterior chamber.