Background: We evaluated the long-term biocompatibility and safety of a new modular posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) system in rabbit eyes.
Methods: Seven New Zealand rabbits underwent bilateral phacoemulsification with placement of the modular IOL in OD and a control IOL (SA60AT) in OS. Slit-lamp examinations were performed at postoperative weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 and months 3 and 6. All rabbits were then sacrificed and eyes enucleated. The eyes were examined grossly from the Miyake-Apple view. Selected IOLs were explanted and underwent surface staining for implant cytology. All globes were then sectioned and processed for histopathological examination.
Results: The modular IOL remained stable in all seven rabbits through the entire follow-up period. Biocompatibility was better than the control lens at six months postoperatively, on account of less extensive synechiae formation as assessed by slit-lamp examination. At the six-week examination, posterior capsule opacification (PCO) was significantly better in the test group (scored as 1.71 ± 0.8 versus 3.28 ± 0.48 in the control group, p = 0.0008). On gross examination with the Miyake-Apple view, Soemmering's ring formation was significantly better in the test group, (5.14 ± 1.57 versus 10.85 ± 1.95 in the control group, p = 0.002).
Conclusion: Previous studies showed that explantation/exchange of the modular system optic was safer and easier than with a standard IOL. The new modular IOL system has demonstrated better long-term biocompatibility compared to the control lens at six months postoperatively in the rabbit model.
Keywords: biocompatibility; capsular opacification; hydrophobic acrylic; intraocular lens.
© 2018 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.