Ultraviolet radiation absorption of intraocular lenses

Objectives: To record and compare the spectral transmittance curves of intraocular lenses (IOLs) made out of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylic, hydrogel, and silicone from different manufacturers; to evaluate their ultraviolet radiation absorption capacities; and to contrast the recorded transmittance curves with that of the natural lens. Design: Experimental study. Methods: We studied 17 different 21-diopter IOLs. A high-performance spectrophotometer with a diffuse transmittance accessory was employed to measure the transmittance of wavelengths from 200 nm to 800 nm through a 1.5-mm aperture. Main Outcome Measures: Transmittance percentage and 10% transmittance cutoff wavelength. Results: All studied IOLs offered good ultraviolet radiation protection in the ultraviolet C (200-280 nm) and ultraviolet B (280-315 nm) ranges. A number of silicone, PMMA, and acrylic lenses showed different and, at times, only low degrees of absorption in the ultraviolet A (315-400 nm) range. Conclusions: Intraocular lenses of different compositions have ultraviolet radiation absorption characteristics different from that of the crystalline lens. Ophthalmology 2004;111:880-885 (C) 2004 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.