Safety, biocompatibility, and potential functionality of a new accommodative intraocular lens: An experimental study in rabitts

Abstract

Aims/Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the safety, biocompatibility and functionality of a new accommodative intraocular lens (IOL) (LUZ, Lens Undergone Zonula Global S.L., Valencia, Spain) that, after implantation in rabbit eyes, is compared with a control lens (EyeCee®) and a capsular ring, both present on the market.Methods: LUZ is an accommodative IOL with two parts: one IOL of hydrophobic acrylic material and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and one ring of silicone and PMMA. LUZ (Study) and EyeCee® plus a capsular ring (Control) were implanted in rabbits (𝑛 = 8 each) after lens surgery by phacoemulsification technique to randomly. Intraoperative and long‐term clinical follow‐up, based on complete ophthalmic examination, and functional tests were performed periodically until 180 days post‐implantation. Finally, ocular samples were collected and histologically evaluated. All data was statistically analysed.Results: During macroscopic clinical follow‐up we did not observed significant changes between both groups. The lens studied (LUZ) remained centered and without severe clinical complications. The functional study showed no significant differences between both groups. LUZ showed better centering, few adhesions, and kept the capsular bag open compared to Control IOL. Biological effects of LUZ lens implantation were low and comparable to the control lens.Conclusions: LUZ IOL, has shown safety after being implanted in the rabbit eye, just like the control lens. It has not shown clinical or histological signs that refer to an adverse reaction to the material. Although LUZ functionality has not been observed in the rabbit eye, this possibility should be studied in other animal species with greater and better accommodation. The LUZ lens keeps the capsular bag open, preventing its fibrosis and lens adherence, thus theoretically favouring its potential accommodation.