Morphological findings in human globes obtained postmortem implanted with Ridley intraocular lenses

Background. Sir Harold Ridley's first cataract extraction with implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) marked the beginning of a major change in the practice of ophthalmology. Material and methods. Two human autopsy globes implanted with original Ridl ey IOLs were grossly examined from behind with the Miyake-Apple photographi c technique. The anterior segments were evaluated histologically. One Ridle y IOL was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Results. Both IOLs maintained a clear visual axis and had been placed in th e capsular sac. The right lens was decentered inferiorly,the left IOL was w ell centered. The posterior capsule showed only minimal capsular opacificat ion. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the explanted IOL showed a smoot h, well polished surface. Conclusions. In this patient Ridley IOLs maintained an ideal visual rehabil itation of 20/20 in both eyes, 22 and 18 years postoperatively. One surpris ing finding was the presence of a square, truncated optic edge geometry, ve ry similar to that seen in some modern foldable IOLs. In our opinion the ab sence of posterior capsule opacification of the Ridley IOL may have partiel ly been a result of this nearly sharp optic edge, that we confirmed by SEM. Even 22 years after implantation the Ridley IOL showed a high finish quali ty. Many of Sir Harold Ridley's early concepts like the IOL placement in th e posterior chamber and endocapsular implantation are now the standard of m odern cataract surgery.