Intraocular Lens Materials: A Detailed Assessment of Benefits and Drawbacks

Abstract

Intraocular lenses (IOLs), which are used to repair vision in a large number of patients following cataract surgeries, are potentially the most significant single advancement in ophthalmology. The first IOLs were made by the only biomaterial available for implantation over decay which is a rigid plastic namely, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), The main drawback of PMMA is that it necessitates the largest incision in cataract surgery, with the corneal incision is as large as the optics of the IOLs. Because the essential intention of forward-thinking cataract surgery is to make the smallest incision possible, the IOLs must be adaptable and bend. This intention can be accomplished by enhancing the model and matter of IOLs.  There are also some characteristics associated with IOLs materials that may have some impact such as (Refractive Index, Water content, Glistening, Etc.), The improvement of the first silicone IOLs used to overcome that problem but it is now rarely used and has been replaced with an Acrylic hydrogel material that provides a good performance; researchers are still evaluating suitable IOLs materials.