Transmittance characteristics of ultraviolet and blue-light-filtering intraocular lenses.
OBJECTIVE
To record the spectral transmittance curves of various ultraviolet (UV) and blue-light-filtering intraocular lenses (IOLs), evaluate their UV and blue-light-radiation- absorption capacities, and compare them with those of the natural crystalline lens.


METHODS
Department of Ophthalmology, Duisburg-Essen University, Essen, Germany.


METHODS
Eight IOLs from 6 manufacturers were evaluated. The transmittance of wavelengths from 200 nm to 800 nm was measured using a high-performance spectrophotometer with a diffuse transmittance accessory through a 1.5 mm aperture.


RESULTS
All assessed IOLs provided good UVC (200 to 280 nm) and UVB (280 to 320 nm) protection, but 2 IOLs lacked sufficient UVA (320 to 400 nm) protection. Major differences in the absorption capacities were observed in the blue-light range (400 to 500 nm).


CONCLUSIONS
The absorption characteristics of some UV and blue-light-filtering IOLs resembled those of the crystalline lens, but some differed. Long-term clinical trials should be performed to determine how blue-blocking IOLs affect the risk for progression of age-related macular degeneration.
Brockmann
Claudia
C
Department of Ophthalmology, Duisburg-Essen University, Essen, and Varian, Inc., Darmstadt, Germany. brockmann@zentrum-augenheilkunde.de
Schulz
Marcus
M
Laube
Thomas
T
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008027:Light; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D012826:Silicone Elastomers