Abstract
BackgroundCataract surgery is a very popular operation that requires a postoperative period of frequent instillation of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Modified drug-eluting intraocular lenses (IOLs) may eliminate the need for eye drops after surgery.AimThe purpose of this study is to compare the morphological characteristics of dexamethasone eluting biodegradable polymeric thin films developed on the surface of commercially available IOLs by three different methods.MethodThis experimental study was conducted between May and August of 2021 in the Lab for Thin Films - Nanobiomaterials - Nanosystems & Nanometrology (LTFN) of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. A mixture of two organic polymers [Poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide)(PLGA), lactide: glycolide (75:25) and Polycaprolactone (PCL)] and dexamethasone was prepared and then deposited on the surface of three-piece IOLs by spin coating, by spray coating, and by gravure printing. The modified IOLs were sterilized with the use of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and plasma treatment. Their structural properties were studied with the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM).ResultsSpin coating and gravure printing produced uniform thin films on the surface of the IOLs which were not damaged during the sterilization process. Spray coating led to the partial coating of the surface of the IOLs; the thin films underwent alterations following plasma treatment.ConclusionsThin films developed by spin coating and gravure printing on IOLs demonstrate the desired morphological characteristics that make them suitable candidates for further research.
Highlights
A cataract is defined as the clouding of the crystalline lens
Spin coating and gravure printing produced uniform thin films on the surface of the intraocular lenses (IOLs) which were not damaged during the sterilization process
Spray coating led to the partial coating of the surface of the IOLs; the thin films underwent alterations following plasma treatment
Summary
A cataract is defined as the clouding of the crystalline lens It is treated surgically, usually by removal of the cataractous lens and insertion of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Usually by removal of the cataractous lens and insertion of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) This procedure is known as phacoemulsification with IOL insertion and is one of the most common surgical procedures worldwide [1]. Post-operatively, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops are instilled in the operated eye to prevent infection and to reduce inflammation [2]. This post-operative treatment commonly lasts between four and six weeks. Cataract surgery is a very popular operation that requires a postoperative period of frequent instillation of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Modified drug-eluting intraocular lenses (IOLs) may eliminate the need for eye drops after surgery
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