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Assessing intraocular lens calcification in an animal model
S Y Buchen1, C M Cunanan, A Gwon
1Allergan Inc., Irvine, California 92623-9534, USA.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
|September 22, 2001
Summary
This study developed an animal model to test biomaterial calcification. Subcutaneous and intramuscular implantation in rabbits effectively screened materials for calcification potential, though intraocular results require cautious interpretation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Veterinary Pathology
Background:
- Intraocular calcification of biomaterials, particularly intraocular lenses (IOLs), is a clinical concern.
- Evaluating the calcification propensity of novel biomaterials requires reliable animal models.
- Existing models may not accurately predict in vivo performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and validate an animal model for assessing biomaterial calcification.
- To compare the calcification potential of various IOL materials in different implantation sites.
- To determine the efficacy of subcutaneous and intramuscular implantation for predicting intraocular calcification.
Main Methods:
- Various IOL optic materials (silicone, PMMA, hydrogel, acrylics) were implanted intramuscularly and/or subcutaneously in rabbits for up to 90 days.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to detect and characterize calcification.
- Disc lenses were also implanted intraocularly in rabbits and monitored for up to 20 months for calcification.
Main Results:
- No calcification was observed in silicone, PMMA, or acrylic materials implanted subcutaneously or intramuscularly.
- Calcification occurred in experimental acrylic (all sites) and hydrogel (intramuscular) materials.
- Intraocular calcification was first suspected at 4 months and confirmed at 10 months in experimental IOLs.
Conclusions:
- Subcutaneous and intramuscular implantation in rabbits serves as an effective model for screening biomaterial calcification potential.
- Material calcification is influenced by both the host environment and the specific biomaterial.
- Extrapolation of subcutaneous/intramuscular implantation results to predict human intraocular calcification warrants caution.
