Comparison of the cellular response on intraocular lenses implanted in rabbit eyes with and without extracapsular lens extraction

Abstract

Three-piece poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lenses (IOLs) were implanted in rabbit eyes with and without lens extraction to examine the cellular response on the IOL surface without the effects of the residual lens cortex. Each rabbit had extracapsular lens extraction (ECCE) with IOL implantation in the posterior chamber of one eye. In the second eye, the IOL was implanted in the anterior chamber without lens extraction. The lenses were removed and studied with light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy one week after surgery. Light microscopic findings revealed a similar cellular response on the surface of the IOLs in both groups. Scanning electron microscopy suggested that the cellular adhesiveness on the IOL surface in the eyes without lens extraction was weaker than in the eyes that had ECCE. Cells on the IOLs in the eyes without lens extraction were flatter and had membranous pseudopodia. It appears that the cells on the IOL surface were caused by a foreign body reaction and that their adhesiveness to the IOL was affected by residual lens cortex.