Scanning Electron Microscopy of Removed Intraocular Lenses

Authors: Hülya GÜNCEL, Atilla GÜNGÖR, Sema ONURLU

Abstract: Some intra ocular lenses have had to be removed due to chronic uveitis keratopathy, UGH syndrome and decentration. Various studies investigating biodegradation and manufacturing defects of removed intraocular lenses (IOL) have been announced up to now. In this study, surface analysis with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed on eleven I0Ls removed from patients. The surfaces of optics and haptics, optic-haptic junctions and positioning holes were examined. Manufacturing defects were found in 8 lenses observed most frequent in optic-hapticjunction and positioning hole and least frequent in optic edge and haptis. Biodegradation was seen in two polypropylene haptics and a crater pattern was noted in one lens following Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy. Findings were compared with causes of I0L removal irrelated literature. In conclusion, we think that the removal of I0Ls will be decreased by the use of monblock IOLs. These I0Ls should also satisfy the absence of positioning holes and have to be manufactured under optimal technical conditions using a highly resistant material.

Keywords: Intra ocular lenses, scanning electron microscopy