Ultraviolet-A Absorbing Properties of IOLs

Pornchai Simaroj, M.D.

Somsak Tanratanakorn, M.D.

ABSTRACT Objective : To evaluate ultraviolet absorbing efficacy of intraocular lenses which have been available in Thailand.

Methods : Intraocular lenses, which various commercially available in Thailand, were measured using 3 mm aperture disc with ultraviolet detector. The specific ultraviolet shortcut filters and ultraviolet light source were also used in the process of measurement. The measurements were compared with IOL and without IOL placing. Twenty-five models of IOL were included in this study. There were 18 models manufactured from polymethymethacrylate (PMMA), 3 models from acrylic and 4 models from silicone materials.

Results : All models of PMMA, acrylic and 3 of silicone IOLs exhibits ultraviolet-A transmission less than 10% (range 0.02-7.63%). Meanwhile one model of silicone IOL transmitted more than 10% of ultraviolet-A (CeeOn model 920). (range 21.46%-80.97%)

Conclusions : All models of PMMA and acrylic IOLs including three medels of silicone IOL in this study showed safety for ultraviolet absorption. One model of silicone IOL transmitted ultraviolet-A more than safety-value. However the distributor has stopped planning to launch this non UV-absorbing product in Thailand.

Thai J Ophthalmol 2000 : July-December 14(2) : 119-125.

Key word : IOL (intraocular lens), UV (ultraviolet), PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate), acrylic, silicone, transmission and absorption