Prevention of endothelial damage from intraocular lens insertion.

Previous studies have indicated that approximately half the corneal endothelial cells can be lost at the time of IOL insertion. Momentary contact between the methacrylate surface and the endothelial cell appears to cause an adhesion between these surfaces which damages the cells even without prolonged contact. Although other factors may also damage the endothelium, this endothelial damage which seems clinically important can be prevented by simply dipping IOL in simple solutions of PVP.