Intra-corneal implantation of certain soft and hard lenses in rabbits

ABSTRACT

Intracorneal lens implantation [ICL] is one of the lamellar refractive surgery procedures. This study aimed at evaluation of the intracorneal implantation of certain soft [hydrogel] and hard [PMMA] lenses in rabbits. The study was carried out on 60 albino rabbits. The rabbits received an ICL in one eye, while the other eye had a sham surgery without ICL. Thirty rabbits had lenses made of PMMA [0% water content], 20 rabbits received lenses made of HEMA [38% water content], 10 rabbits received lenses made of lidofilcon A [70% water content]. Keratometry, cycloplegic refraction, pachymetry, and slit lamp biomicroscopy were done before and after operation for 6 months follow up. Under general anesthesia, anterior corneal disc [8 mm] was removed, resutured in 3 points, lens inserted and the lamellar disc was secured by continuous nylon sutures 10/0. Lidofilcon A intracorneal lenses showed the best biocompatibility then HEMA lenses and lastly the impermeable PMMA lenses. ICLs produce a predictable stable change in keratometry and refraction strongly correlated with the implanted lens power especially plus power lenses