Surface abnormalities on hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses implanted by an injector

To describe and evaluate abnormalities on the surface of hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) that were implanted using an injector.

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.

This study comprised 70 eyes having phacoemulsification and implantation of an EasAcryl (n = 50) or Inject-A (n = 20) IOL. Both hydrophilic IOLs are biconvex and have a high water content (26%), plate-haptic design, and no angulation. The IOLs were folded in a cartridge under hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and implanted by an injector.

Thirteen EasAcryl and 5 Inject-A IOLs had multiple white lines in the direction of the longitudinal axis on the posterior surface immediately after implantation. On 1 EasAcryl IOL, the white lines were separated by a clear central zone and were on the anterior surface. Another EasAcryl IOL had a 1.0 mm crack.

The abnormalities on the posterior surface of high-water-content hydrophilic acrylic IOLs disappeared or were almost gone within 1 month postoperatively and do not appear to be a concern for surgeons. These abnormalities are likely the result of the IOLs' hydrophilicity and high water content and friction in the injector barrel.