Surface properties of commercially available hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses: Comparative study

Purpose: To analyze and compare the surface properties of commercially available hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs). Setting: Eye Clinic, University of Trieste, Italy. Design: Experimental study. Methods: The following 6 single-piece hydrophobic acrylic IOL models with the same dioptric power were studied and compared: Clareon SY60WF, Tecnis PCB00, enVista MX60, CT Lucia 601P, Vivinex iSert XY1, and iSert 251. Topography of the IOL surface was analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Surface contact angle measurements using the sessile drop method were performed to assess IOL wettability. Results: The AFM analysis showed that the Vivinex iSert XY1 IOL and Clareon SY60WF IOL had the lowest surface roughness (P < .05); there was no statistically significant difference in surface roughness between the those 2 IOL models (P > .05). Surface contact angle measurements showed that the iSert 251 IOL had the highest hydrophobicity. The CT Lucia 601P IOL had the lowest contact angle of all IOL models. Conclusions: The AFM analysis and surface contact angle measurements of all IOLs tested showed that the Vivinex iSert XY1 IOL and Clareon SY60WF IOL had the best topographic features. The smoother, more regular surface of these new IOL models might reduce cell adhesion and therefore lower the incidence of posterior capsule opacification.