Influence of glistenings on the optical quality of acrylic foldable intraocular lens.

AIMS To assess the influence of glistenings on the optical quality of acrylic foldable intraocular lens. METHODS Several degrees of glistenings in the optic were experimentally created by immersing the lens in water at 37 degrees C for 48 hours and then at 25 degrees C for 24 hours. Optical bench tests were carried out in water including measurements of spectral transmittance with the spectrophotometer, intensity of forward scattering using the integrating sphere photometer, modulation transfer function, and resolving power at various contrasts with and without the veiling glare light source. RESULTS Glistenings of 1+ to 4+ degrees were created, among which the 4+ glistenings seemed to be extremely intense and thought to be beyond the range of clinical settings. Clinically feasible level of glistenings, up to 3+, did not adversely influence spectral transmittance, scattering, modulation transfer function, and resolving power at various contrasts. The 4+ glistenings caused mild to moderate deteriorations of the optical quality of the lens. CONCLUSION The optical quality of the acrylic foldable intraocular lens is not significantly affected by the level of glistenings usually seen in the clinical setting.