Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Development of an In Vitro Ocular Platform to Test Contact Lenses
Published on: April 6, 2016
[In vitro corneal endothelial damage caused by intraocular lenses of PMMA, silicone and polyhema]
Abstract:
We compared the endothelial damage to freshly excised pig corneas (n = 156) as a result of contact with IOLs made of PMMA, silicone and polyhema. The contact time was 15 s, 1 min and 30 min. The endothelial damage was quantified with the Janus green vital staining photometric technique. Morphological changes were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The most damage was caused by PMMA (7.6%; 10.2%; 19.7%), followed by silicone (4.8%; 6.8%; 10.2%) and polyhema (4.6%; 5.9%; 8.3%). The degree of endothelial damage was statistically significant (P less than 0.01) in comparison with the control groups without any relationship to lens material or contact time. There was no significant difference between the damage caused by silicone and polyhema, but there was a significant difference between PMMA and silicone or polyhema.
Insights
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) intraocular lenses (IOLs) caused significantly more corneal endothelial damage than silicone or polyhema IOLs in pig eyes. Contact time did not influence damage levels between materials.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Corneal Research
Background:
- Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are crucial in cataract surgery.
- Understanding the biocompatibility of different IOL materials is essential for patient outcomes.
- Corneal endothelial cell damage can lead to vision impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the endothelial damage caused by polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), silicone, and polyhema IOLs.
- To evaluate the effect of contact time on IOL-induced endothelial damage.
- To assess the morphological changes in the corneal endothelium upon contact with IOLs.
Main Methods:
- Freshly excised pig corneas (n=156) were exposed to PMMA, silicone, and polyhema IOLs.
- Contact times included 15 seconds, 1 minute, and 30 minutes.
- Endothelial damage was quantified using Janus green vital staining and scanning electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- PMMA IOLs caused the most significant endothelial damage (7.6%–19.7%), followed by silicone (4.8%–10.2%) and polyhema (4.6%–8.3%).
- Damage was statistically significant compared to control groups across all materials and contact times (P<0.01).
- No significant difference in damage was observed between silicone and polyhema IOLs, but both were significantly less damaging than PMMA.
Conclusions:
- PMMA IOLs pose a higher risk of corneal endothelial damage compared to silicone and polyhema IOLs.
- The choice of IOL material is a critical factor in minimizing post-operative corneal complications.
- Further research may explore modifications to PMMA or alternative materials to reduce endothelial toxicity.
