The Development of Injectable Intraocular Lens Using Thermosensitive Polymeric Hydrogel in Vitro and in Vivo

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the compatibility of poloxamer hydrogel as a material for the injectable intraocular lens in in vivo and in vitro model. METHODS: We determined the appropriate concentration of poloxamer hydrogel for injection through the examination of transparency and gelling temperature of this material and assess the technique of refilling the lens capsule and the postoperative findings. RESULTS: Poloxamer hydrogel showed excellent transparency compared with balanced salt solution(BSS) in air vinyl and 20% was identified as an appropriate concentration for direct lens refilling material. In vivo study, we injected poloxamer into the capsular bag after performing endocapsular phacoemulsification through the small anterior capsulotomy site. At 3 months follow up, we confirmed the excellent transparency and biocompatibility of poloxamer hydrogel. CONCLUSIONS: Poloxamer hydrogel was identified as an appropriate material for direct lens refilling material.