Effect of the Direct Application of Riboflavin and UVA on the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens

Abstract

To report the effect of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) with riboflavin and ultraviolet A (UVA) on the optical and material characteristics of a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (Visian ICL, STAAR Surgical). Optical and material characteristics were assessed in vitro, analyzing potential changes in riboflavin staining, dioptric power, transmission characteristics, and surface structure. A total of 9 lenses were analyzed: 3 lenses were irradiated with 0.23 mW/cm², the maximal intensity that may be encountered during actual surgery; 3 lenses were irradiated with 2.3 mW/cm², 10 times the maximal intensity encountered during surgery; and 3 lenses served as controls. Following CXL with UVA and riboflavin, no changes were observed in the parameters tested; in particular, dioptric power and transmission characteristics were similar before and after CXL. Cross-linking with UVA and riboflavin does not affect the optical and material characteristics of the Visian ICL after irradiation with the maximal UVA energy levels that may be encountered during surgery. Even when the UVA irradiation dose was increased by a factor of 10, no changes were observed.