Animal model experimentation using the expansile hydrogel intraocular lens

To determine the biocompatibility of the expansile hydrogel intraocular lens, a two-year animal study was undertaken. After phacoemulsification, hydrogel expansile intraocular lenses were implanted in four Dutch-belted rabbit eyes. Slitlamp examinations revealed minimal anterior chamber reaction and lens synechias. Gross pathology and histology demonstrated hyperplastic residual cortex, but confirmed our clinical impression that the lenses were well tolerated. Electron diffraction energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis revealed deposition of aluminum, silicon, magnesium, and calcium, but there was no evidence of matrix penetration.