Biomechanical and optical properties of 2 new hydrophobic platforms for intraocular lenses.

Purpose: To compare the biomechanical and optical properties of 2 new hydrophobic platforms and a series of commercially available foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Setting: Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.

Design: Experimental study.

Methods: Eleven benchmark foldable IOLs (iPure, Podeye, Acrysof SN60WF, Envista MX60, Sensar AR40e, Tecnis ZCB00, Isert 251, AF-1 YA-60BB, Finevision, Acri.Tec 366D, and Ioflex) were tested by standard analytical methods for biomechanical, rheological, and optical investigations under identical conditions.

Results: With 1 exception, IOLs equilibrated in aqueous medium had a lower glass-transition temperature, higher deformability, lower injection forces, and complete recovery of their initial optical properties after injection. Typical hydrophobic acrylic dry-packaged IOLs required higher injection forces with high residual deformation and lost part of their initial optical quality after injection. Hydrophobic acrylic C-loop, double C-loop, and closed quadripod haptics applied optimum compression forces to the capsular bag with negligible optic axial displacement and tilt compared with plate haptics and poly(methyl methacrylate) haptics.

Conclusions: The combination of the C-loop haptic and the bioadhesive glistening-free material, which absorbs a predetermined amount of water, allowed for a biomechanically stable IOL. The same material used in association with a double C-loop haptic design facilitated the perioperative manipulation and placement of the IOL in a smaller capsular bag without impairing the other biomechanical properties of a single C-loop design.