Retinal safety of the irradiation delivered to light-adjustable intraocular lenses evaluated in a rabbit model.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety to the retina of a light-delivery device used to irradiate a light-adjustable intraocular lens (IOL) after implantation in a rabbit model.

SETTING

John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

METHODS

In this study, rabbits had phacoemulsification with implantation of an ultraviolet (UV)-filtering light-adjustable IOL (study IOL) in 1 eye and a custom-made silicone IOL without a UV filter (control IOL) in the opposite eye. The study IOLs were irradiated at 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 5.0 times the expected maximum UV irradiation doses and the control IOLs, at 0.3, 0.6, 1.0, and 2.0 times. One week after irradiation, slitlamp and fundus (indirect ophthalmoscopy) examinations were performed. The rabbits were then humanely killed and their eyes enucleated and processed for histopathology.

RESULTS

The 16 eyes with the study IOL (with UV filter) showed no signs of corneal, anterior segment, or retinal toxicity on histopathologic evaluation. The 16 eyes with the control IOL (no UV filter) also showed no signs of corneal or anterior segment toxicity; however, 3 eyes receiving the higher radiation doses had focal areas of retinal damage consistent with laser burn.

CONCLUSION

Pigmented rabbit eyes with a light-adjustable IOL with a UV filter showed no signs of retina toxicity after near-UV light exposure up to 5 times the expected maximum treatment dosage.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Additional disclosures are found in the footnotes.