CORNEAL ENDOTHELIUM CELL-ADHESION ON INTRAOCULAR LENSES IN-VITRO

An in vitro evaluation was conducted of the adhesion capabilities of r abbit corneal endothelial cells on intraocular lenses (IOLs) made of h eparin-coated polymethyl-methacrylate (HSM-PMMA). The concave endothel ial surfaces of albino rabbit corneas were placed in contact in vitro with the convex surfaces of the optical side of HSM-PMMA IOLs in 4-day cultures. PMMA IOLs served as controls. After an incubation period, t he preparations were examined via phase-contrast microscopy and via in verted microscopy after staining with vital dye (neutral red), both wi th and without the cornea in place. After fixation and staining with G iemsa, the cells adherent on the lens were counted on five different m icroscopic fields. It was observed that the corneal endothelial cells adhered equally to heparin-coated and untreated PMMA IOLs. (C) 1993 Jo hn Wiley & Sons, Inc.