Intraocular lens durability after a mean of 10.9 years' implantation in humans.

AIMS/BACKGROUND: To clarify whether intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in the human eye affects the durability of polymethylmethacrylate over an average period of 10.9 years. METHODS: Shearing stress and extent of damage following neodymium (Nd):YAG laser application to 18 study and 12 control optics were examined. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the study and the control IOLs in shearing stress and extent of damage following Nd:YAG. CONCLUSION: An average 10.9 years' implantation in humans does not affect either the shearing stress or extent of damage following Nd:YAG shots of polymethylmethacrylate.