SANDWICH-LENS INTRAOCULAR IMPLANT - A CONCEPT FOR CORRECTION OF APHAKIA IN INFANTS

Background In the management of congenital cataracts the correction of aphakia is still an unsatisfactorily solved problem. As far as surgical techniques and materials are concerned, the implantation of an IOL seems to be justified even in younger children; but choosing the refractive power of the lens is somewhat difficult regarding the expected growth of the eye. Materials and methods A new type of IOL is presented as a solution for this problem. Being composed of a PMMA-fashioned optic and haptic it bears a silicone lens which is fastened on top of it. The supporting lens is made of PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) with a biconvex surface with modified J-loops. The diameter of the optic is 6 mm, the overall diameter is 11 mm. The supplementary lens is made of the same silicone material as used for foldable intraocular lenses. Its diameter is 4.5 mm. This additional component can be removed from the implanted lens so that the needed reduction of refractive power after completed growth of the eye can be performed. The PMMA-fashioned basic component remains in situ just like a conventional posterior chamber lens. The lens was examined using scanning-electron microscopy. Im- and explantation was performed in isolated porcine eyes. Results The high quality of the lens could be demonstrated using scanning-electron microscopy. The technical feasibility of this concept could be demonstrated on isolated porcine eyes. Discussion Currently the sandwich lens is being tested in animal experiments. Our special interest is focussed on biocompatibility, formation of secondary cataract, biological reactions in the interface and the possibility of atraumatic explantation of the silicone lens.