Characterizing microscopic calcification deposits on acrylic intraocular lenses
Cassandra L Ward1, S Sameera Perera1, Zhi Mei1
1Lumigen Instrument Center, Wayne State University, 5101 Cass Ave, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA. ward@wayne.edu.
The Analyst
|February 6, 2026
Summary
Crystallized deposits on intraocular lenses (IOLs) after cataract surgery were identified as substituted hydroxyapatite. These bone-like formations suggest the eye
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Materials Science
- Biomineralization
Background:
- Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are used to restore vision after cataract surgery.
- Crystallized deposits on IOLs are a rare complication that impairs vision and requires IOL exchange.
- Understanding the composition and formation mechanism of these crystals is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply analytical methods for characterizing IOL crystals.
- To determine the chemical identity and formation mechanism of deposits on explanted IOLs.
Main Methods:
- Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for elemental analysis.
- Raman spectroscopy to identify carbonate.
- Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) with Rietveld analysis for structural determination.
Main Results:
- EDS and XPS revealed calcium, phosphorus, and sodium in the crystals.
- Raman spectroscopy identified carbonate.
- XRD conclusively determined the crystals to be substituted hydroxyapatite (Ca9Na(PO4)5(CO3)(OH)2) layered with amorphous calcium phosphate.
Conclusions:
- IOL deposits are composed of crystalline substituted hydroxyapatite and amorphous calcium phosphate.
- The crystal structure is similar to bone, suggesting a bone mineralization pathway in the eye.
- The developed analytical methods offer comprehensive characterization of IOL crystals.
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