Small incision intraocular lens: past, present and future

Research indicates that silicone is comparable to or exceeds PMMA as an intraocular lens material. Insertion of silicone lenses does, however, continue to be a source of discussion and studies continue to develop more affective insertion instrumentation. Hydrogel also appears to be a viable material for intraocular lenses. Because hydrogel can be dehydrated and inserted flat in the eye with forceps, there is no problem with insertion instrumentation. Studies with these lens materials is preliminary and ongoing. Future work will include work with acrylics, endocapsular surgery (liquid gels, injectable and inflatable lenses), a teledioptric lens for macular degeneration, and an intraocular biofocal. The future also holds further silicone and hydrogel studies and the possible development of other materials for intraocular lenses all in search of the optimum intraocular lens material and design.