Hydrophobic Acrylic IOLs : A Primer

he 2003 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) survey of practice styles and preferences indicated that, since 1998, hydrophobic acrylic has been the preferred IOL optic material.1 Because surgeons appreciate the controlled unfolding characteristics associated with this class of materials, the popularity of hydrophobic acrylic lenses has increased worldwide since their introduction. In the August 2010 issue of CRST Europe, Khiun F. Tjia, MD, of the Netherlands, summarized the characteristics of hydrophobic acrylic IOLs that were new to the European market.2 As a follow-up, this article provides an overview of biocompatibility issues related to hydrophobic acrylic lenses and a discussion of new material and design trends in IOL manufacturing (Table 1) and the possible influences of these trends on surgical outcomes. This information was obtained through the corresponding manufacturers and peer-reviewed literature.3 The list of IOLs is not exhaustive; some were included in Dr. Tjia’s previous publication.2