[Adhesion of liquid perfluorocarbon to various intraocular lens materials. A light microscopy study]

Perfluorocarbone liquids (PFCL) enable explantation of intraocular lenses (IOL) dislocated into the vitreous. Because of their relatively high specific weight, the IOL can be floated off the retina and repositioned in the anterior segment. If the IOL surface is affected by contact with PFCL is still unknown. We were interested in the extent of PFCL contact with different IOL materials, having in mind a repositioning of a dislocated IOL into the posterior chamber. We investigated the adherence of PFCL to different IOL surfaces.

The following IOL materials were tested: Group I: acrylate/methacrylate polymers: (a) PMMA, compression molding; (b) PMMA, compression molding, heparin-surface modified; (c) poly-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (polyHEMA); (d) phenylethylacrylate, phenylethylmethacrylate; (e) methylmethacrylate, HEMA; (f) methylmethacrylate, hydroxyethylmethacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate; (g) hydroxyhexylmethacrylate, HEMA. Group II: silicone elastomers: (a) polydimethylsiloxane; (b) polydimethyldiphenylsiloxane. A total of 17 types of standard quality IOLs were obtained from several manufacturers. Each IOL was immersed in PFCL for 3 h. Then each IOL was rinsed with 2 ml balanced salt solution (BSS) and investigated by light microscopy with regard to the extent of PFCL adhesion.

After rinsing with BSS, no PFCL was detectable on any IOL surface. Possible PFCL invasion into an open optic-haptic junction in three-piece IOLs could not be excluded using this method. All IOLs demonstrated optic and haptic surfaces without alterations. The IOL surfaces were comparable to those of new IOLs.

With respect to PFCL-IOL interaction, all IOLs seem to be inert. After luxation of the IOL into the vitreous and IOL elevation by using PFCL, repositioning of the dislocated IOL seems to be possible under special conditions (adequate total diameter, IOL without damage, no open haptic junction in the optic). After rinsing the explanted IOL with BSS prior to reimplantation, the risk of damaging the eye by PFCL remnants on the IOL appears neglibile.