Protecting the retina during MemoryLens insertion

Background: To determine the light-scattering power of the folded MemoryLen s(R). Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, U tah, USA. Methods: The focusing power of 10 unfolded MemoryLenses (Mentor Ophthalmics ) was measured using an optical bench. The IOLs were then unfolded in a 37 degreesC distilled water bath and reexamined within 15 seconds of removal f rom the bath. Resolutions were read after the lenses were dried for 1 hour and cooled to room temperature and again after they were rehydrated and reh eated in the water bath. Results: In the roiled state, all lenses diffused the illumination of the l ight source. After the IOLs were unfolded in the water bath at 37 degreesC, they gave readings Of acceptable to high resolution. After the lenses were air dried for 1 hour and cooled to room temperature, the resolution of all lenses decreased. However, after the IOLs were rehydrated and reheated for 1 more hour, resolution was similar to that of the original hydrated lense s. Conclusion: When folded, at a low temperature, or dehydrated, the MemoryLen s may provide protection from the operating microscope by scattering light. J Cataract Refract Surg 2000; 26: 1819-1822 (C) 2000 ASCRS and ESCRS.