Morphology of pseudophakic precipitates on intraocular lenses removed from human patients

Cellular precipitates on the surface of 52 intraocular lenses removed from human patients for various reasons from one week to five years following implantation were studied with cytologic techniques and scanning electron microscopy. A variety of cellular responses were characterized: mononuclear precipitates composed of lymphocytes and macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, and a fibroblastic proliferation. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes were encountered less frequently. Acellular membranous precipitates were also observed. Cellular response was related to clinical history to correlate temporal and possible etiopathogenic factors in the formulation of these precipitates and their possible relationship to implant failure.