Effect of the Nd:YAG laser on polymethylmethacrylate, HEMA copolymer, and silicone intraocular materials

Recent trends of cataract extraction feature both small surgical wounds and preservation of posterior capsules. The development of safe, reliable, and flexible implant materials that can withstand near impact with a Nd:YAG laser during secondary posterior capsule discissions are required. An in vitro experiment was performed to analyze the effects of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA), hydroxyethylhydroxymethylmethacrylate (HEMA-MEMA) copolymer combination, and a silicone compound. The HEMA and HEMA-MEMA compounds were the least susceptible to Nd:YAG laser damage in this laboratory setting.