Influence of material on biocompatibility of intraocular lenses]

There are many types of intraocular lenses (IOL), different in optic features and materials. The first indication for IOL implantation was aphakia after cataract surgery. The problem of aphakia exists as long as cataract is treated, that is at least 45 hundreds of years. Correction of aphakia using glasses is uncomfortable for patients and even impossible in some cases. The invention of an artificial intraocular lens was a crucial event in the history of ophthalmology. Nowadays there are more indications for cataract surgery and implantation of intraocular lens, including correction of refractive errors. The first intraocular lenses were made of rigid plastic: polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). In present times foldable intraocular lenses made of soft material: silicone, hydrogel and acrylic compounds are also produced. In this paper 4 groups of intraocular lenses: PMMA, silicone, hydrogel, acrylic and their influence on biocompatibility are discussed. This article contains also description of two types of IOL biocompatibility: uveal and capsular. Their clinical aspects, especially posterior capsule opacification are discussed. Factors affecting biocompatibility are shortly described. Some historical applications of IOL are presented. Regarding the latest experimental studies on improving IOL biocompatibility, results of IOL surface modification tests are presented. New perspective technologies of intraocular artificial lens production such as single crystal materials are also discussed.