Vacuoles in the Acrysof intraocular lens as factor of the presence of serum in aqueous humor.

OBJECTIVE

Acrysoftrade mark (Alcon) foldable lenses (IOLs) have been shown to be highly biocompatible and exhibit a low incidence of posterior capsular opacification. However, minute vacuoles or 'glistenings' have been observed in some Acrysof IOLs. The clinical relevance of vacuole formation is presently unclear. To help clarify the influence of factors present under in vivo conditions on vacuole formation, the present experimental study examines the influence of aqueous humor components on the occurrence of vacuoles in Acrysof IOLs.

METHODS

A total of 12 sterile Acrysof IOLs (Alcon, MA60BM) were incubated at body temperature (37 degrees C) for 3 or 6 months in anterior-chamber aqueous humor with or without human serum. The center portion was cut from two unconditioned, unhydrated, sterile control IOLs and the 12 conditioned IOLs and examined using light microscopy for vacuole formation. A third unconditioned, hydrated control IOL was examined using light and scanning electron microscopy.

MEASURES

The incidence of vacuoles was quantified by two independent investigators using light microscopy. After hydration with balanced salt solution, the surface quality of a control IOL was examined using scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The control IOLs exhibited no or very few vacuoles. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the control IOLs had normal surface texture without any surface vacuoles. IOLs that had been conditioned in aqueous humor without serum exhibited no great increase in the number of vacuoles, whereas IOLs conditioned in aqueous humor with serum exhibited a greater number of vacuoles that increased over time.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of vacuoles increases with incubation time in aqueous humor containing serum. The addition of serum increased the proportion of lipids and proteins in the solution, which also occurs with a breakdown in the blood-aqueous barrier. The results of the present study point to a physiological factor that may lead to vacuole formation in IOLs and may aid clinicians in identifying risk factors involved in the formation of vacuoles.