Abstract

SA.02.05

Evaluation of the microstructure of the optic edge of commercially available intraocular lenses

Werner L., Müller M., Tetz M.
Berlin Eye Research Institute (BERI)

Objective: Preliminary in vitro studies demonstrated that the ability of an intraocular lens (IOL) edge to block the growth of lens epithelial cells is correlated with its sharpness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sharpness of the edges of currently available hydrophobic IOLs, in terms of their deviation from an “ideal” square.
Methods: Ten designs of hydrophobic acrylic and silicone IOLs were used in this study. For each design, a +20 D IOL and a +0 D IOL (or the lowest available plus dioptric power) were evaluated. The IOL edge was imaged perpendicularly under high magnification scanning electron microscopy. The photographs were then imported to a digital computer program (AutoCAD LT 2000 system, Autodesk, San Rafael, CA, US), and the area above the posterior-lateral edge, representing the deviation from a perfect square was then calculated.
Results: Currently available hydrophobic acrylic and silicone IOLs, labeled as square edged lenses, had an area of deviation from a perfect square ranging from 17.7 to 338.4 square microns. Generally, the area of deviation was larger for the +20 D lenses in comparison to the lowest available plus dioptric power of the same design. Several differences in edge finishing among the lenses analyzed were also observed.
Conclusions: Analysis of the microstructure of the optic edge of currently available square edged IOLs revealed a large variation of the deviation area from a perfect square, as well as of the edge finishing. These were observed not only among different designs, but also between different powers of the same design. Further studies are necessary to ascertain the implications of these findings on postoperative capsular bag opacification.

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