Image analysis of implanted rigid and foldable intraocular lenses in human eyes using Scheimpflug photography.

We evaluated the quality of imaging posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PC IOL) by Scheimpflug photography. We took photographs of 190 rigid or foldable PC IOLs using the Scheimpflug system EAS-1000 from Nidek and provided digital image analysis. We found a good imaging of PC IOLs and the cristalline lens capsule, data obtained by digital image analysis were reliable and reproducible and Scheimpflug photography could be demonstrated as a sensitive tool to show any irregularities of IOL material. Thus, we found in foldable IOLs 'glistenings', which did not have any influence on functional results and we could distinguish them from lens damage. We propose to use Scheimpflug tests regularly for the examination of implanted new types of IOLs.