Abstract

SA.15.09

Modification of IOLs surface properties by intraocular foreign body reaction

Schröder A. C.
Department of Ophthalmology, University of the Saarland, Homburg/Saar

Objective: IOLs hydrophobicity is often mistaken with its material’s water content. The surrounding tissue interacts primarily with the IOLs surface. Its properties determine biocompatibility. While manufacturers have achieved great surface improvements, these properties are modified by the eye’s foreign body reaction. With lens implantation, its surface adsorbs “host factors”, fibronectin (FN) being the most important.
Methods: FN coated IOLs are a feasible model for the initial phase of the eye’s foreign body reaction. The impact of FN on the IOLs surface properties is demonstrated by contact angle determination according to Owens-Wendt-Rabel and Kaelble, measurement of bacterial adhesion using ³H-labelled Staphylococcus epidermidis, and by comparing silicone-oil adhesion by semi-automatic evaluation of digital images.
Results: FN decreases surface-hydrophobicity on acrylate and silicone IOLs. Bacterial adhesion rate is significantly increased by FN diminishing effects of surface modifications like heparin coating. Silicone oil adhesion is lowered significantly by FN on acrylate materials, but increased on silicone.
Conclusions: When assessing the biocompatibility of IOL implants, foreign body reaction is an important issue. Estimating IOL materials’ biocompatibility should base more on functional properties and less on the functionally unsuitable parameter of water content.

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