What is in a posterior chamber intraocular lens? A review of the basic properties, materials and designs

Abstract

There is a vast array of posterior chamber intraocular lenses on the market with different materials and designs. Materials used for an intraocular lens can be divided into hydrophobic and hydrophilic. Hydrophobic materials include polymethyl methacrylate, foldable hydrophobic acrylic and silicone. Hydrophilic materials include hydrophilic acrylic and collamer. The intraocular lens can be three-piece or one-piece, openloop or plate-haptic. Different designs are also adopted to reduce posterior capsular opacification, reduce optical aberrations, filter light of unwanted or harmful wavelengths, and correct astigmatism and presbyopia. In this review, we summarize the existing literature on common materials and designs used for currently available posterior chamber intraocular lenses. It is hoped that this will facilitate surgeons in choosing an appropriate intraocular lens for their patients.