In Vivo Stability of Electronic Intraocular Lens Implant for Corneal Blindness

Abstract

Purpose: Electronic technology can add new function to intraocular lenses, including the treatment of corneal blindness. However, it is not known if such an implant can be stably implanted within a living eye over time. This study investigates the long-term stability and safety of an intraocular lens-shaped implant with an embedded electronic microdisplay for potential use in treating corneal blindness.

Methods: Five intraocular implants containing a nonfunctional microdisplay and projection optic were surgically implanted into five rabbits after removal of their crystalline lenses. This blocks the natural pathway of light into the eye. The rabbits were monitored over 6 months with photography and biometry to assess the centration and axial stability of the implants.

Results: All implants were successfully implanted and remained stable over the 6-month trial. The average distance from the cornea center was 0.868 ± 0.442 mm at 1 month and 0.851 ± 0.591 mm at 6 months. Anterior chamber depth, representing axial stability, was 4.362 ± 0.213 mm at 1 month and 4.351 ± 0.218 mm at 6 months. While posterior capsular opacification and iris adhesions were observed, no major complications occurred.

Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate long-term stability of an intraocular lens-shaped implant containing an electronic display and optical system. These findings suggest that such implants are viable and safe, supporting their potential as a treatment for corneal blindness and other broader applications.

Translational relevance: Evidence of safety and stability of electronic intraocular lenses in animals paves the way for the study of this emerging field of medical implants in humans.

Figure 1.

(A) This 14,000 pixels per inch microLED display measures only 0.48 mm across. (B) If implanted within the eye with supporting wireless reception electronics, this display could deliver high-quality vision to patients even in the setting of complete corneal opacity, without the need for a cornea transplant. Device produced by Mojo Vision.

Figure 2.

(A) Concept of projecting an electronic intraocular lens implanted into the lens capsule after cataract removal, placing imagery onto the retina. (B) Dummy implant, retina-facing side, with optical system over microdisplay. (C) Dummy implant, cornea-facing side.

Figure 3.

Surgical implantation technique. (A) Rabbit crystalline lens has been removed via a limbal incision. (B) The implant is placed into the lens capsule. (C) The limbal incision is closed.

Figure 4.

External en face photographs showing the longitudinal position of the IOL in each subject and to assess for adverse events such as PCO and synechiae. (A, C, E, G, I) Rabbits 1 to 5 at 1 month. (B, D, F, H, J) Same rabbit eyes at 6-month sacrifice. △ PCO, * iris irregularity.

Figure 5.

Centration was measured by the distance of the center of the implant from the center of the cornea. Black lines cross at the center of the cornea. Blue lines cross at the center of the implant.