Development of fibrin-free intraocular lens with photochemical surface modification

Abstract

ABSTRACT Having substituted the hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups alternately on the soft acrylic resin intraocular lens (IOL) surface by using an ArF excimer laser and a Xe 2 excimer lamp, we have developed the IOL that is free from fibrin. Acrylic resin or PMMA lens has been used as an intraocular lens for 50 years. However, protein and fat are stuck onto the IOL surface after a long implantation, which opacifies the surface (after-cataract). Thus, we designed the micro domain structures of hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups on the IOL surface for fibrin-free. Firstly, the IOL was irradiated with the Xe 2 excimer lamp in the presence of perfluoropolyether in order to make it hydrophobic. By this photochemical reaction, the CF 3 functional groups were substituted on the IOL surface. Secondly, the ArF laser was projected on the IOL through the mask pattern in reduced size in the presence of water in order to be hydrophilic. With the photochemical reaction, the OH groups were substituted at the part exposed. The fibrin adsorption test of the modified IOL surface was carried out with FT-IR; which revealed that the fibrin-sticking rate of the treated sample has decreased by 23% compared with that of the non-treated sample. As a result, the fibrin-free IOL has been made by modifying the surface of the IOL to have the micro domain structures of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups that are arrayed alternately. In conclusion, the ideal intraocular lens has been demonstrated. Keywords : acrylic resin IOL, fibrin free, micro domain structure, photochemical reaction, after cataract