J Cataract Refract Surg. 2002 Jul;28(7):1211-6.

Glistenings in foldable intraocular lenses.

Tognetto D1, Toto L, Sanguinetti G, Ravalico G.

Author information
Abstract
PURPOSE:
To evaluate the formation of glistenings in foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs) of various materials
after cataract surgery.
SETTING:
University Eye Clinic of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
METHODS:
In this prospective study, 273 patients were randomized to have implantation of 1 of 7 types of
foldable IOLs in the capsular bag after phacoemulsification. The IOLs were the CeeOn Edge
911A (Pharmacia & Upjohn Co.), ACR6D (Corneal), AcrySof (Alcon), SI-40NB (AMO),
Hydroview H60M (Storz), Sensar (AMO), and Stabibag (Ioltech). The presence of glistenings in
the IOL optic was assessed by slitlamp evaluation 7, 30, 90, 180, 360, and 720 days after surgery.
The glistenings were graded at each control.
RESULTS:
Glistenings were observed in all IOL groups. The percentage of patients with glistenings ranged
from 40.0% to 67.5%, with the percentage increasing up to 90 days after surgery and then
becoming stable in most groups. The AcrySof group had a continuous increase over time. The
mean grade of glistenings increased up to 180 days after surgery and then became stable in most
groups. The AcrySof and 911A groups had a continuous increase over time.
CONCLUSIONS:
Glistening formation was observed in 7 different foldable IOLs. The AcrySof group had a higher
percentage and a greater density of glistenings.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12106730

Bacterial adhesion to rigid and foldable posterior chamber intraocular lenses : in

vitro study

Abstract
Purpose

To determine the in vitro bacterial adherence to intraocular lenses (IOLs) routinely used at 1
center.
Setting

University Hospital of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Methods

Four types of rigid IOLs (hydrophobic poly[methyl methacrylate] [PMMA] and hydrophilic
heparin-surface-modified PMMA) and 5 types of foldable intraocular lenses (hydrophobic
silicone, hydrophobic acrylic, and hydrophilic acrylic) were used in the experiment. Under
standardized conditions, the IOLs were contaminated with 2 strains of Staphylococcus
epidermidis. A sonication method and impression method were used for quantification. The mean
bacterial density per lens type (colony forming units/mm2) was compared.
Results

With both germs and both quantification methods, more bacteria was found on hydrophobic
lenses than on IOLs with hydrophilic surfaces (P = .001). The Alcon AcrySof and Askin
UV80F IOLs had the greatest and the Corneal Acrygel and Bausch & Lomb Hydroview
IOLs the least affinity to these microorganisms.
Conclusion

The data suggest that hydrophilic IOLs can help reduce the rate of postoperative endophthalmitis
as a result of their surface properties.