IN-VIVO STUDY OF A FLUOROCARBON POLYMER-COATED INTRAOCULAR-LENS IN A RABBIT MODEL

Purpose: To evaluate the biocompatibility in rabbit eyes of poly(methy l methacrylate) PMMA) intraocular lenses (IOLs) that were surface modi fied using Teflon AF. Setting: Hotel-Dieu Hospital, Paris Cedex, Franc e. Methods: The IOLs were coated with Teflon AF, an amorphous, transpa rent, and highly hydrophobic fluorocarbon polymer, by immersing them i n Teflon AF 5% and evaporating the solvent (C8F18). The surface qualit y of the Teflon-coated IOLs was control PMMA (n = 10) IOLs were implan ted in rabbit eyes. The presence of iris-IOL synechias and the number of deposits on the IOL surfaces were clinically evaluated in both grou ps to assess the antiadhesive effect of Teflon AF. The Teflon-coated I OLs were removed, their surfaces were evaluated by SEM, and their elem ental composition was checked by EDXA acid Raman spectrometry, Results : The PMMA IOLs were completely coated with Teflon AF. The Teflon grou p had no iris-IOL synechias and the control group, two extensive synec hias. There were significantly fewer deposits on the surfaces of Teflo n-coated IOLs than on the control IOLs 30 and 60 days postoperatively (P < .0001). Scanning electron microscopy showed lens epithelium proli feration and spindle-shaped cells on the surfaces of the PMMA IOLs and cell deposits on the irregular regions of the Teflon-coated IOLs. Whi te-yellow spots were present on the Surfaces of both IOL types. The el emental composition of Teflon-coated IOLs was stable. Conclusion: Tefl on AF had an antiadhesive effect that increased the biocompatibility o f PMMA IOLs in vivo.