CLINICAL-ASSESSMENT OF LONG-TERM SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF A WIDELY IMPLANTED SILICONE INTRAOCULAR-LENS MATERIAL

PURPOSE: To summarize the long-term safety and efficacy, in a large se ries of patients, of intraocular lenses made from a second-generation silicone material (AMO SLM-2/UV) widely used as an intraocular lens ma terial. METHODS: This was a prospective study of adult patients who re ceived posterior-chamber intraocular lenses with an optic composed of a high-index-of-refraction, ultraviolet-light-absorbing silicone (AMO SLM-2/UV). In 501 patients, clinical data through 3 years postoperativ e are presented. Postoperative measurements included spectacle-correct ed visual acuity, occurrence of postoperative sight-threatening or len s-related complications, and adverse reactions. Results were compared with the standards established by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for polymethylmethacrylate lenses. RESULTS: At 1 year, 95.2% (49 6/521) of all patients in group I achieved corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better. This compared well with the standard reported for pol ymethylmethacrylate lenses (88%, 2,521/2,864). At 3 years, 94.3% (347/ 368) of best-case patients achieved corrected visual acuity of 20/40 o r better. The rate of sight-threatening complications reported at the final postoperative examination at 3 years was 2.0% (10/501). The rate of Nd:YAG capsulotomy was 27.5% (138/501) through 3 years. CONCLUSION : Lenses made of the SLM-2/UV silicone material demonstrated safe and effective performance through long-term follow-up at a level equal to or better than established standards for polymethylmethacrylate lenses .