Intraocular lens fixation with dacron

To overcome the problem of postoperative lens dislocation, we evaluated a new means of lens fixation. Our experimental studies in rabbits and primates demonstrated that Dacron polyethylene terephtalate induced a cellular reaction from either the anterior or posterior iris surface when placed in contact with the iris, thereby establishing a bond between the Dacron fibers and the iris. Dacron mesh can be attached to the distal portion of either the anterior or posterior loops of a Binkhorst iris clip (4-loop) lens. In the rabbit eye, lens fixation occurred within five days; in the primate eye, 30 days. When combined with silk, Dacron produced tissue ingrowth in the primate eye within 14 days. No unwanted reaction occurred in any animal with the Dacron and silk combination. Being biodegradable, the silk induced faster cellular ingrowth than the Dacron. However, Dacron, which is not biodegradable, provided a permanent means of fixation.