In vivo study of a fluorocarbon polymer-coated intraocular lens in a rabbit model

To evaluate the biocompatibility in rabbit eyes of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) intraocular lenses (IOLs) that were surface modified using Teflon AF.

Hôtel-Dieu Hospital, Paris Cedex, France.

The IOLs were coated with Teflon AF, an amorphous, transparent, and highly hydrophobic fluorocarbon polymer, by immersing them in Teflon AF 5% and evaporating the solvent (C8F18). The surface quality of the Teflon-coated IOLs was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Teflon-coated (n = 20) and control PMMA (n = 10) IOLs were implanted in rabbit eyes. The presence of iris-IOL synechias and the number of deposits on the IOL surfaces were clinically evaluated in both groups to assess the antiadhesive effect of Teflon AF. The Teflon-coated IOLs were removed, their surfaces were evaluated by SEM, and their elemental composition was checked by EDXA and Raman spectrometry.

The PMMA IOLs were completely coated with Teflon AF. The Teflon group had no iris-IOL synechias and the control group, two extensive synechias. There were significantly fewer deposits on the surfaces of Teflon-coated IOLs than on the control IOLs 30 and 60 days postoperatively (P < .0001). Scanning electron microscopy showed lens epithelium proliferation and spindle-shaped cells on the surfaces of the PMMA IOLs and cell deposits on the irregular regions of the Teflon-coated IOLs. White-yellow spots were present on the surfaces of both IOL types. The elemental composition of Teflon-coated IOLs was stable.

Teflon AF had an antiadhesive effect that increased the biocompatibility of PMMA IOLs in vivo.