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Hydration stability of intracorneal hydrogel implants
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|November 1, 1985
Summary
Hydrogel intraocular lenses (ICLs) for refractive surgery demonstrated excellent hydration stability in corneal stromal environments. Materials with up to 69.5% water content are dimensionally stable for keratorefractive applications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- Intracorneal lenses for refractive keratoplasty require predictable optical stability.
- Hydrogel intraocular lenses (ICLs) are a potential option for refractive surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the hydration stability of hydrogel materials within the corneal stromal environment.
- To determine the dimensional stability of hydrogel ICLs under physiological conditions.
Main Methods:
- In vivo experiments assessing hydrogel weight changes in rabbit corneal stroma over one week.
- In vitro testing of hydrogel discs under varying swelling pressures (55-150 mmHg) in a suction chamber.
Main Results:
- Hydrogel ICLs with 54% to 71% water content showed no hydration loss in rabbit corneas.
- Only hydrogels with 75% water content exhibited significant hydration loss at 55 mmHg swelling pressure.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogel materials with up to 69.5% water content are dimensionally stable in the corneal stroma.
- These findings support the use of specific hydrogel compositions in keratorefractive surgery.