Evaluation of Uveal and Capsular Biocompatibility of Single-Piece Hydrophobic Acrylic Lens With UV/O3 Treatment on the Posterior Surface
Purpose
To evaluate a single-piece, hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) with ultraviolet/ozone (UV/O3) treatment on the posterior surface in comparison to an identical, non-treated lens in the rabbit model.
Methods
Study IOLs were implanted in the right eyes and controls in the left eyes of 10 New Zealand rabbits. Slit-lamp examinations were performed at post-operative weeks 1-6. Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy was performed on both eyes of 5 rabbits after the week 4 slit-lamp examination. At post-operative week 6, the rabbits were humanely sacrificed, and their globes were enucleated. Capsular bag opacification was scored from the posterior aspect (Miyake-Apple view) and the eyes were processed for histopathology.
Results
At 4 weeks, PCO scores were 0.88 +/- 0.33 in the study eyes and 2.55 +/- 1.13 in the control eyes (P =0.003; two-tail paired T test). Performance of Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy was similar in both groups of lenses. Gross, postmortem examination also showed statistically less peripheral PCO in the eyes with the study lens, in comparison to the controls. There was no difference in histopathologic findings between study and control eyes, and no signs of untoward inflammation or toxicity in any of the eyes evaluated.
Conclusion
Treatment of the posterior surface of a single-piece, hydrophobic acrylic IOL with UV/O3 appears to prevent PCO by increasing adhesion between the posterior capsule and the lens, while retaining uveal biocompatibility. Performance of Nd:YAG posterior capsulotomy is similar between treated and non-treated lenses.