Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Rotating the Intraocular Lens to Prevent Posterior Capsular Opacification in Cataract Surgeries
Published on: July 7, 2023
Effect of ophthalmic solution components on acrylic intraocular lenses
Masahiko Ayaki1, Hitoshi Nishihara, Shigeo Yaguchi
1Department of Ophthalmology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. mayaki@olive.ocn.ne.jp
Purpose:
To investigate the effect of ophthalmic solution components on the surface of acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs).
Setting:
Department of Opthalmology, Showa University School of Medicine.
Methods:
Measurement of the contact angles of ophthalmic solutions on 3 acrylic IOLs was performed. The solutions were diclofenac sodium (Diclod), bromfenac sodium (Bronuck), betamethasone phosphate (Rinderon), dibekacin sulfate (Panimycin), polysorbate 80 (Tween 20), benzalkonium chloride, chlorobutanol, methylparahydroxybenzoate, and propylparahydroxybenzoate. The IOLs were incubated at 35 degrees C for 2 weeks in undiluted ophthalmic solutions and in 1:10 dilutions of ophthalmic solution components. The IOLs were sectioned and observed by scanning electron microscopy.
Results:
The contact angle of Diclod and Bronuck solutions was the smallest. The contact angle of Rinderon and Panimycin was similar to that of distilled water. Scanning electron microscopy examination of IOLs incubated in ophthalmic solution components showed intralenticular changes. The IOLs immersed in ophthalmic solutions did not show any change, even after extended incubation.
Conclusion:
The chemical components of ophthalmic solutions, such as surfactants and solvents, permeate acrylic IOLs, suggesting the potential for long-term adverse effects of eyedrops in pseudophakic eyes.
Related Concept Videos
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Glaucoma: Overview
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Microbiome of the Eye

