Surface Modification of Intraocular Lenses.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are crucial for vision restoration after cataract surgery.
• Improving IOL biocompatibility is essential to minimize adverse tissue reactions and enhance long-term outcomes.
• Surface modification presents a key strategy for optimizing IOL performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive literature review on the surface modification of intraocular lenses (IOLs).
• To identify and categorize the technologies and molecules employed in IOL surface modification.
• To evaluate the impact of surface modification on IOL biocompatibility.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search on PubMed and ScienceDirect for articles published up to 2015.
• Inclusion criteria focused on IOL surface modification, excluding design modifications and surface coatings.
• Analysis of identified articles to synthesize information on modification techniques and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Common surface modification technologies include plasma, ion beam, layer-by-layer self-assembly, UV radiation, and ozone.
• Introduced molecules encompass poly(ethylene glycol), polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, TiO2, heparin, and others.
• Surface modifications resulted in hydrophobic, hydrophilic, or dual-hydrophilic/hydrophobic surfaces, demonstrating improved in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• Surface modification is an effective, convenient, and economical approach to enhance IOL biocompatibility.
• These modifications hold significant promise for advancing the performance and safety of intraocular lenses.
• Continued research in IOL surface engineering can lead to superior ophthalmic devices.