Transmittance characteristics of transparent hydrophobic acrylic foldable intraocular lenses that were in vivo for a prolonged period of time: A UV visible spectrophotometric study

Abstract

Purpose: To record experimental data on the spectral transmittance characteristics of transparent hydrophobic acrylic foldable IOLs, which were in vivo for a prolonged period of time and explanted under clinical indications and also to compare the data with that of corresponding control and crystalline lens along with review of the relevant literature. Method: Material and make of each of the explanted intraocular lenses (IOLs) as well as pre-explantation clinical status of the eyes were confirmed from the medical record. The transmittance of wavelength from 185 to 900 nm of each of the selected IOLs was measured using Shimadzu UV 2600 UV visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer in double-beam configuration and probe version 2.16 software. The data obtained were statistically analyzed. Results: The mean transmittance of 12 clinically explanted IOLs at spectral range 300–700 nm was 49.5% ± SD 6.9%. This value was 10% and 38% less than the corresponding clear (59% ± SD 0.4%) and yellow (87.5% ± SD 0.4%) control, respectively. The mean transmittance of the analytes in the UV range was 43.3 ± SD 6.9%, and it was almost similar to the control. The data showed wide variations without good correlation, and it matches with the human crystalline lens at the age range of 50–60 years. All eyes were otherwise healthy, and none had age-related macular degeneration. Conclusion: In comparison with fresh IOL with a yellow filter, light transmittance at the spectral range 300–700 nm was found decreased in all the IOLs, which were in vivo for an average period of 12.25 ± 4.4 years. All IOLs transmitted variable amounts of UV radiation. More data are required for further analysis on the subject.