Optical simulation for subsurface nanoglistening.

Purpose: To determine whether subsurface nanoglistening in hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOL) diminishes visual performance.

Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan.

Design: Experimental study.

Methods: The effect of subsurface nanoglistenings was simulated using optical design software Lighttools and Code V with the Liou-Brenann model eye and an acrylic IOL. Peak irradiance of the retina, forward light scattering, and modulation transfer function (MTF) were evaluated. During optical simulation, particle diameters were set at 100 nm, 150 nm, and 200 nm and volume ratios at 0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1.0%.

Results: Peak irradiance decreased as subsurface nanoglistening volume ratio and particle size increased. At a volume ratio of 0.05%, the peak irradiance of subsurface nanoglistening particles 100 nm, 150 nm, and 200 nm in diameter decreased 0.7%, 1.8%, and 2.9%, respectively, compared with those at volume ratio 0% (no subsurface nanoglistenings). At a volume ratio of 0.1%, the peak irradiance of subsurface nanoglistening particles 100 nm, 150 nm, and 200 nm decreased 1.5%, 3.6%, and 5.7%, respectively. Forward light scattering increased with increased size of subsurface nanoglistening particle and volume ratio. The MTF was not altered by changes in subsurface nanoglistening particle size or volume ratio.

Conclusions: Subsurface nanoglistenings increased forward scattering slightly and reduced irradiance but significantly diminished retinal image. The effect of subsurface nanoglistenings on visual function in the absence of severe retinal disease was minimal.

Financial Disclosure: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.