Results of Scanning Electron Microscopy of Explanted Hydrophilic Acrylic IOLs

Purpose : study the microscopic examination and microtopography of explanted hydrophilic acrylic IOLs with opacification. Material and methods . 5 samples of soft hydrophilic acrylic IOLs produced in European countries and the USA were studied. Explanted IOLs were studied using a scanning electron microscope (EVO LS10, Karl Zeiss, Germany-UK). Results . In 4 cases changes in hydrophilic acrylic IOL had the character of surface opacification in the area of the anterior wall of the optical element of the lens with localization in the Central zone (pupil area). In one case, the opacities were located over the entire surface of a hydrophilic IOL having a hydrophobic coating. The changes were characterized by the formation of crystalline deposits on the IOL surface at different stages of evolution. In the initial stage, primary point precipitates with sizes of 3–5 microns were formed. At a later stage, the changes had the form of “adult” spherocrystals with a typical radial-concentric zonal structure, up to 50 microns in size. In one of the of IOLs, the growth of crystals under the surface of the lens — in the thickness of IOLs was determined. Conclusion . The changes characterize different stages of the same type of pathological process with sedimentation of crystal deposits on the surface of IOL with changing crystallomorphology.