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[Morphological autopsy findings in human eyes implanted with Ridley intraocular lenses]
J M Schmidbauer1, S K Pandey, D J Apple
1Center for Research on Ocular Therapeutic and Biodevices, Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, USA.
Background:
Sir Harold Ridley's first cataract extraction with implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) marked the beginning of a major change in the practice of ophthalmology.
Material And Methods:
Two human autopsy globes implanted with original Ridley IOLs were grossly examined from behind with the Miyake-Apple photographic technique. The anterior segments were evaluated histologically. One Ridley IOL was examined by scanning electron microscopy.
Results:
Both IOLs maintained a clear visual axis and had been placed in the capsular sac. The right lens was decentered inferiorly, the left IOL was well centered. The posterior capsule showed only minimal capsular opacification. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the explanted IOL showed a smooth, well polished surface.
Conclusions:
In this patient Ridley IOLs maintained an ideal visual rehabilitation of 20/20 in both eyes, 22 and 18 years postoperatively. One surprising finding was the presence of a square, truncated optic edge geometry, very similar to that seen in some modern foldable IOLs. In our opinion the absence of posterior capsule opacification of the Ridley IOL may have partially been a result of this nearly sharp optic edge, that we confirmed by SEM. Even 22 years after implantation the Ridley IOL showed a high finish quality. Many of Sir Harold Ridley's early concepts like the IOL placement in the posterior chamber and endocapsular implantation are now the standard of modern cataract surgery.
