Scanning electron microscopic characteristics of phakic intraocular lenses.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the surface quality of new generation phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs). DESIGN Experimental materials study. MATERIALS Three different new generation phakic IOLs: angle-fixated anterior chamber lens Chiron Vision NuVita MA20 (polymethylmethacrylate [PMMAD, iris-fixated anterior chamber lens Ophtec Artisan Iris-Claw (PMMA), posterior chamber lens Staar ICM (polymer from porcine collagen and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate [HEMA]). METHODS Representative samples of three different phakic IOLs underwent surface and edge-finish examination with light microscopy (LM). The phakic IOLs were then examined by use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and particular attention was given to optic surface quality, edge finish, haptic, and optic/haptic junction. RESULTS In all IOLs the LM examination showed a smooth and homogeneous surface. No irregularities, particularly at the optic front and back surface, optic edge, haptic, and the optic/haptic junctions, were detected by SEM. One exception was a minor surface roughness at the claws of an Artisan iris-fixated anterior chamber IOL. CONCLUSIONS Phakic IOLs are implanted either in the anterior or posterior chamber of healthy eyes, and high standards for their surface quality are required. The evaluation of surface properties with LM and SEM did not reveal any defects that contraindicate the implantation of phakic IOLs.