Biointerface multiparametric study of intraocular lens acrylic materials.

PURPOSE: To compare hydrophilic and hydrophobic acrylic materials designed for intraocular lenses in a multiparametric investigation in a liquid environment to highlight their properties in terms of adhesion forces, lens epithelial cell (LEC) adhesion, and tissue response as indicators of the risk for posterior capsule opacification (PCO) development. SETTING: University of Liege, Liege, Belgium. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: The hydrophobicity and surface adhesion force were assessed using contact-angle and atomic force microscopy measurements. The bioadhesiveness of the disks and the tissue response were determined by in vitro experiments using bovine serum albumin and porcine LECs and by in vivo rabbit subcutaneous implantation, respectively. RESULTS: Increasing surface hydrophobicity led to a greater surface-adhesion force and greater LEC adhesion. After 1 month, the rabbit subcutaneous implants showed a similar thin layer of fibrous capsule surrounding the disks without extensive inflammation. A layer of rounded cells in contact with disks was detected on the hydrophobic samples only. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrophobic acrylic disks that have been associated with a reduced risk for PCO in clinical studies showed increased tackiness. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES: Proprietary or commercial disclosures are listed after the references