Moisture droplet formation on the posterior surface of intraocular lenses during fluid/air exchange

We investigated the conditions under which moisture droplets would form on intraocular lens (IOL) posterior surfaces during fluid/air exchange procedures in rabbits implanted with silicone or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) IOLs. Moisture droplets did not form when the posterior capsule was intact, regardless of IOL material or infusion fluid temperature. If a capsular tear was present, droplets formed with both IOL materials when balanced salt solution (BSS) at ambient temperature was used as the infusion fluid. This effect was significantly more pronounced with silicone IOLs, resulting in an immediate loss of visualization of the fundus. In these cases, visualization was quickly restored by applying a viscoelastic to the posterior IOL surface.