[Chemical analysis of compounds released after damage of the intraocular lens with the Nd: YAG laser].

PURPOSE

To evaluate the amount of releasing chemical compounds after laser Nd: YAG damage of PMMA intraocular lenses.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The study was undertaken in vitro condition. In two chemical vials filled with aqua humor-like solution 7 intraocular lenses in each were installed. One vial was the control group. 500 exposures to the laser Nd: YAG were performed focusing the beam on intraocular lenses in second vial. The aqua humor-like solution was analysed by gas chromatography in period of 1, 5 and 10 weeks.

RESULTS

Methylmethacrylate was present in vial with damaged intraocular lenses in the first week after laser exposition, the other chemical compounds were observed after this period.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Laser Nd: YAG provokes depolymerisation of PMMA to methylmethacrylate just in time when damaging factor occurs. 2. Methyl alcohol and formaldehyde present in a longer time after damage of PMMA are the products of methylmethacrylate reactions. 3. The amount of released chemical compounds is so small and seems not to have the toxic properties.