Ultraviolet radiation absorption of intraocular lenses.
OBJECTIVE
To record and compare the spectral transmittance curves of intraocular lenses (IOLs) made out of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylic, hydrogel, and silicone from different manufacturers; to evaluate their ultraviolet radiation absorption capacities; and to contrast the recorded transmittance curves with that of the natural lens.


METHODS
Experimental study.


METHODS
We studied 17 different 21-diopter IOLs. A high-performance spectrophotometer with a diffuse transmittance accessory was employed to measure the transmittance of wavelengths from 200 nm to 800 nm through a 1.5-mm aperture.


METHODS
Transmittance percentage and 10% transmittance cutoff wavelength.


RESULTS
All studied IOLs offered good ultraviolet radiation protection in the ultraviolet C (200-280 nm) and ultraviolet B (280-315 nm) ranges. A number of silicone, PMMA, and acrylic lenses showed different and, at times, only low degrees of absorption in the ultraviolet A (315-400 nm) range.


CONCLUSIONS
Intraocular lenses of different compositions have ultraviolet radiation absorption characteristics different from that of the crystalline lens.
Laube
Thomas
T
Department of Ophthalmology, Essen University, Essen, Germany. thomas.laube@uni-essen.de
Apel
Horst
H
Koch
Hans-Reinhard
HR
D000042:Absorption; D000180:Acrylic Resins; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D011102:Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D011102:Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate