The effects of drug delivery via hydrophilic acrylic (hydrogel) intraocular lens systems on the epithelial cells in culture.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

Secondary posterior subcapsular opacification is still among the most important complications after phacoemulsification.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This study was designed to assess the inhibitory effects of drugs delivered via hydrophilic acrylic (hydrogel) intraocular lens (IOL) systems in vitro. Lens epithelial cells were collected from albino rabbits. The following seven groups of hydrogel IOLs were prepared: untreated IOLs and IOLs infiltrated with diclofenac sodium, tranilast, mitomycin C, colchicines, 5-fluorouracil, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The IOLs were fixed to a Cell Culture Insert; they were then bathed and incubated in minimum essential medium containing cultured lens epithelial cells. Subsequently, a comparative analysis of the cells adhering to the collagen membrane and the lens surfaces was conducted.

RESULTS

Adhesion of lens epithelial cells to the lens surfaces and the collagen membrane was observed in the control group. However, only slight cellular adhesion was found on the surfaces of the IOLs and on the collagen membrane in the treated IOL groups.

CONCLUSION

Use of hydrogel IOLs infiltrated with drugs was associated with inhibition of posterior subcapsular opacification in vitro.