IN-VIVO STUDY OF CELL REACTIONS ON POLY(METHYL METHACRYLATE) INTRAOCULAR LENSES WITH DIFFERENT SURFACE-PROPERTIES

Purpose: To evaluate the biocompatibility of three poly(methyl methacr ylate) (PMMA) intraocular lenses (IOLs) with different surface propert ies. Setting: University Eye Clinic, Vienna, Austria. Methods: Cell re actions on the surfaces of unmodified, heparin-surface-modified (HSM), and surface-passivated (SP) PMMA IOLs were documented in vivo using a Zeiss specular microscope. Risk factors for such reactions were also determined. Results: During the first postoperative days, small round and spindle-shaped cells were found on all IOLs. Cell density was high er in eyes with increased postoperative inflammation. After several da ys, epithelioid and foreign-body giant cells were seen on some IOLs. C ells appeared significantly less often on the IOLs with hydrophilic su rfaces (HSM) than on those with hydrophobic surfaces (unmodified, SP). Conclusion: The significantly lower incidence of foreign-body reactio ns on hydrophilic than on hydrophobic IOL surfaces is consistent with the results of previous studies on hydrogel and silicone IOLs.