Yoshida S, Matsushima H, Nagata M, Senoo T, Ota I, Miyake K.
Yoshida Eye Hospital, Hakodate, Japan
Abstract
PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of light scattering from the surface of hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) on visual function.
METHODS: A 67-year-old man was implanted with an IOL (MA60BM) in January 1998, but became aware of decreased visual function in May 2008. Observation with a slit lamp revealed light scattering throughout the entire optic of the IOL, which was extracted and replaced. Postoperative visual function improved at 1 month. The cause of light scattering was investigated with a focus on water permeating the IOL material. To confirm the effect of light scattering on visual function, light transmission of the extracted IOL was measured in physiological saline at 33 °C, and the simulated retinal image was evaluated in a model eye.
RESULTS: Observation of the extracted IOL showed light scattering from the optic surface layer, the main cause of which was phase-separated water within the IOL material. Light transmission in the extracted IOL was 16.3% lower than that in an unused IOL in the visible range. Moreover, the simulated retinal image was hazy compared to that of the unused IOL.
CONCLUSIONS: Severe surface light scattering from an IOL optic may decrease visual function.
© Japanese Ophthalmological Society 2011.
PMID: 21331695 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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