Purpose:
Evaluation of different surface modifications on acrylic intraocular lens to prevent secondary posterior capsular opacification (PCO).
Methods:
All rabbit experiments adhered to the ARVO Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research. Acrylic IOLs were prepared and MPC polymer (copolymer of MPC (2–methacryloyloxy ethyl phosphorylcholine) and BMA (butylmethacrylate)) treated or UV/Ozone modification was performed to modify the surface characteristics of IOLs. Adhesive effects were evaluated using lens epithelial cells from rabbits in vitro. To evaluate the preventive effects of PCO, eight–week old albino rabbits were anesthetized and phacoemulcification were performed. After that, the MPC polymer treated IOL, UV/Ozone modified IOL or control IOL was implanted. Two weeks postoperatively, the rabbits were euthanized and their eye balls were dissected and fixed using 10% formaldehyde. The developed PCOs were observed using light microscopy (DX51, ORIMPUS) after hematoxylin and eosin staining.
Results:
The adhesions of LECs were decreased in the MPC polymer treated IOL but increased in the UV/Ozone modified IOL. The thickness of PCO in center was 64 µm using control IOL and 78 µm using MPC polymer treated IOL; however, it was 17 µm using UV/Ozone modified IOLs. Development of PCO was prevented using the UV/Ozone modified acrylic IOLs by increasing adhesion with posterior capsule.
Conclusions:
The increasing adhesion force on surface of IOL was effective to prevent secondary PCO after cataract surgery.
Keywords: posterior capsular opacification (PCO) • protective mechanisms • intraocular lens