Lens implantation: lessons learned from the first million. The Third Rayner Lecture, 1982

Experience gained from over one million intraocular lens implants has emphasized the importance of quality control, correct design and knowledgeable use of materials. Biodegradation of nylon is well known; polypropylene also degrades, but much more slowly; polymethylmethacrylate does not show evidence of biodegradation even, in one specimen for which I have a control, after 23 years.