Comparative analysis of the surface quality of different monofocal intraocular lenses by scanning electron microscopy

Poster Details

First Author: H.Chai SINGAPORE

Co Author(s):    H. Chan   R. Manotosh   Y. Ng   L. Thean     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To analyse and compare the optic surface quality and optical zone clarity of three types of hydrophobic acrylic monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) with various dioptric powers using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Setting:

Eye Surgery Centre, National University Hospital, National University Hospital System, Singapore Electron Microscopy Unit, National University of Singapore

Methods:

Three non-implanted clinical-quality acrylic hydrophobic monofocal IOL models were studied: Sensar OptiEdge AR40e (AMO Inc), AcrySof SA60AT (Alcon Inc) and AF-1 iMics 1 NY-60 (Hoya). Three IOLs of each model with dioptric powers ranging from 20 to 22 were examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed on all freshly opened lenses at 5 to 10 Kv. Four fixed magnifications were used for all lenses: 20x, 50x, 100x and 200x. Special attention was paid to the optic surface and central optical zone.

Results:

Of the three OptiEdge AR40e lenses, two samples had smooth homogenous optical surface. One sample showed a single surface imperfection visible from 50x magnification seen on the anterior lens surface. Of the three AcrySof SA60AT, one had smooth homogenous optical surface. The other two samples showed surface imperfections on the anterior lens surface of which, one had three areas of surface imperfection visible from 24x magnification. The surface defect for the other SA60AT lens was only apparent at 200x magnification. Of the three iMics 1 NY-60 lenses, one had linear marks across the central optical zone which we believe were the result of manipulation during preparation for SEM. The remaining iMics NY-60 lenses had smooth homogenous optical surface. No vacuolation was seen in any of the samples. All samples had good optical clarity.

Conclusions:

Scanning electron microscopy is an accurate tool for assessing the surface quality of IOL optics. All three models of acrylic hydrophobic monofocal IOLs had various surface imperfections. The surface properties of IOLs are important as the may influence the visual outcome as well as biocompatibility in the long-term. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE?: No