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Published on: March 8, 2019
Biocompatibility of poloxamer hydrogel as an injectable intraocular lens: a pilot study
Ji Won Kwon1, Young Keun Han, Woo Jin Lee
1Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul Artificial Eye Center, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea.
Purpose:
To induce irreversible gelation of poloxamer, a thermosensitive polymer hydrogel, by using a photoinitiator and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and to verify the biocompatibility and use of poloxamer as an injectable intraocular lens (IOL) material.
Setting:
Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul Artificial Eye Center, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Methods:
In 10 rabbits, endocapsular phacoemulsification was performed and a poloxamer-photoinitiator mixture was injected into the capsular bag through a small capsulorhexis site. In 1 eye, the capsulorhexis site was closed with a small plug and the entire eye was irradiated with UV light for 5 minutes. Postoperatively, poloxamer transparency and effect on the conjunctiva, cornea, iris, vitreous, and retina were observed.
Results:
A mixture comprising 25% poloxamer and 0.01% photoinitiator produced a poloxamer that remained transparent in the lens capsule for up to 6 months. No inflammatory response or toxicity was observed in the conjunctiva, cornea, iris, vitreous, or retina.
Conclusion:
Poloxamer is a potentially suitable material for an injectable IOL. Further study is needed.
