In vivo study of a fluorocarbon polymer-coated intraocular lens in a rabbit model.

Purpose: To evaluate the biocompatibility in rabbit eyes of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) intraocular lenses (IOLs) that were surface modified using Teflon AF.

Setting: Hôtel-Dieu Hospital, Paris Cedex, France.

Methods: The IOLs were coated with Teflon AF, an amorphous, transparent, and highly hydrophobic fluorocarbon polymer, by immersing them in Teflon AF 5% and evaporating the solvent (C8F18). The surface quality of the Teflon-coated IOLs was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Teflon-coated (n = 20) and control PMMA (n = 10) IOLs were implanted in rabbit eyes. The presence of iris-IOL synechias and the number of deposits on the IOL surfaces were clinically evaluated in both groups to assess the antiadhesive effect of Teflon AF. The Teflon-coated IOLs were removed, their surfaces were evaluated by SEM, and their elemental composition was checked by EDXA and Raman spectrometry.

Results: The PMMA IOLs were completely coated with Teflon AF. The Teflon group had no iris-IOL synechias and the control group, two extensive synechias. There were significantly fewer deposits on the surfaces of Teflon-coated IOLs than on the control IOLs 30 and 60 days postoperatively (P < .0001). Scanning electron microscopy showed lens epithelium proliferation and spindle-shaped cells on the surfaces of the PMMA IOLs and cell deposits on the irregular regions of the Teflon-coated IOLs. White-yellow spots were present on the surfaces of both IOL types. The elemental composition of Teflon-coated IOLs was stable.

Conclusion: Teflon AF had an antiadhesive effect that increased the biocompatibility of PMMA IOLs in vivo.