In vivo study of cell reactions on poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lenses with different surface properties.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the biocompatibility of three poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) intraocular lenses (IOLs) with different surface properties.


METHODS
University Eye Clinic, Vienna, Austria.


METHODS
Cell reactions on the surfaces of unmodified, heparin-surface-modified (HSM), and surface-passivated (SP) PMMA IOLs were documented in vivo using a Zeiss specular microscope. Risk factors for such reactions were also determined.


RESULTS
During the first postoperative days, small round and spindle-shaped cells were found on all IOLs. Cell density was higher in eyes with increased postoperative inflammation. After several days, epithelioid and foreign-body giant cells were seen on some IOLs. Cells appeared significantly less often on the IOLs with hydrophilic surfaces (HSM) than on those with hydrophobic surfaces (unmodified, SP).


CONCLUSIONS
The significantly lower incidence of foreign-body reactions on hydrophilic than on hydrophobic IOL surfaces is consistent with the results of previous studies on hydrogel and silicone IOLs.
Amon
M
M
University Eye Clinic, Vienna, Austria.
Menapace
R
R
Radax
U
U
Freyler
H
H
D000368:Aged; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002452:Cell Count; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015622:Epithelioid Cells / Q000473:pathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005549:Foreign-Body Reaction / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015743:Giant Cells, Foreign-Body / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007498:Iris / Q000473:pathology; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular / Q000009:adverse effects; D008768:Methylmethacrylates; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013499:Surface Properties
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D008768:Methylmethacrylates