Refractive shift prediction of DNA supramolecular hydrogels as artificial vitreous substitutes

Vitreous substitutes are sufficient for tamponade after pars plana vitrectomy. However, these substitutes (silicone oil and gas) are weak in the refractive aspect. DNA supramolecular hydrogel, a novel vitreous substitute, exhibits good biocompatibility. This study calculated the theoretical refractive shifts after the DNA supramolecular hydrogels were tamponed in the vitreous cavity in schematic eyes. Navarro and Liou-Brennan schematic eyes with relaxed accommodation were modeled using ZEMAX software. The refractive index representing the vitreous contents was changed to simulate a DNA supramolecular hydrogel tamponade in the vitreous cavity. The results of the theoretical refraction and power of the required spectacles to correct refractive error were output by the software. The same procedures were performed for other commonly used vitreous substitutes. The theoretical refractions of DNA supramolecular hydrogels were 60.368 and 60.189 D in Navarro and Liou-Brennan schematic eyes, which were only 0.229 and 0.154 D lower than that of the natural vitreous body, respectively. The power of the corresponding spectacles was less than 0.25 D. The refractive property of DNA supramolecular hydrogels was confirmed to be similar to that of a natural vitreous body. Hence, it is considered a promising vitreous substitute.