In vivo evaluation of a new hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens in the rabbit model

To evaluate the uveal and capsular biocompatibility as well as positioning stability of a new hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) in vivo in the rabbit model and compare it with a commercially available IOL.

John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

Experimental study.

Fifteen New Zealand rabbits had the new test IOL (Clareon CNA0T0) implanted in one eye and a control IOL (Acrysof SN60WF) implanted in the contralateral eye. The test IOL is manufactured from a new hydrophobic acrylic material incorporating ultraviolet blocker and blue light filter. Its design is based on the control IOL's platform. The rabbits were followed up with weekly slitlamp evaluations, which assessed inflammatory reactions as well as capsular bag opacification. Anterior chamber depth was measured at 1 and 4 weeks post-implantation (high-frequency ultrasound). After 4 weeks, the rabbits were killed humanely and the eyes were enucleated. The anterior segment was evaluated from the posterior or Miyake-Apple view, and was then processed for complete histopathology.

There were no statistically significant differences between test and control eyes in terms of postoperative inflammation and capsular biocompatibility, including posterior capsule opacification (P = .34, paired t test), and anterior capsule opacification (P = .53, paired t test), as observed during clinical and pathological evaluation. In vivo axial positioning for the test IOL was comparable to the control IOL and stable over time (P = .531 versus P = .788).

The new IOL showed biocompatibility and stability comparable to the control IOL.