Long-term uveal and capsular biocompatibility of a new accommodating intraocular lens.

Purpose To evaluate long-term uveal and capsular biocompatibility of a new accommodating intraocular lens (IOL). Setting John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Design Experimental study. Methods Bilateral phacoemulsification was performed in 14 rabbits; 1 eye received the accommodating IOL (Fluidvision) and the other received a hydrophobic acrylic control IOL. Slitlamp examinations were performed at postoperative weeks 1 to 4 and months 2, 3, 4, and 6. Six rabbits were humanely killed at 2 months and 8 rabbits at 6 months. After gross examination with the Miyake-Apple view, selected IOLs were removed for implant cytology. All globes were then sectioned and processed for histopathologic examination. Results Uveal biocompatibility of study and control IOLs was similar in clinical and pathologic examinations up to 6 months postoperatively. In the study group, anterior capsule opacification appeared absent and posterior capsule opacification (PCO) was significantly less than in the control group. At the gross examination at 6 months, central PCO was 0.8 ± 0.5 (SD) in the study IOLs and 3.7 ± 0.4 in the control IOLs ( P t test). Histopathologic examination confirmed the relative lack of capsule opacification in study eyes compared with controls and the absence of untoward inflammatory reaction or toxicity in all eyes. Conclusions The accommodating IOL maintained an expanded capsular bag secondary to the large size of the haptic elements without significant contact with the anterior capsule. This appeared to prevent overall capsular bag opacification and to retain uveal and capsular biocompatibility. Financial Disclosure Dr. Werner is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Powervision, Inc. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.