Cell adhesion on explanted intraocular lenses Part 2: Experimental study of a surface-modified IOL in rabbits

PURPOSE: To develop a hydrophobic acrylic IOL with a hydrophilic, anti-cell adhesive surface characteristic. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: Hydrophobic acrylic IOLs were coated with hydrophilic 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer and implanted in rabbit eyes following lens extraction. Cell adhesion on the IOL surface was histologically compared with that on an uncoated IOL under light microscopy. Specimens were also observed under scanning electron microscopy to examine the effects of MPC coating on cell morphology. RESULTS: Hydrophilic MPC coating reduced cell adhesion on acrylic IOLs at 1 month postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Coating an acrylic IOL with a hydrophilic polymer inhibited cell adhesion on the IOL surface.