RESUMEN
PURPOSE: We aimed to assess the micro injuries on the intraocular lens (IOL) optic in the IOL scaffold technique by ex vivo study. SETTING: This study was conducted at the Tahira Research Laboratory, Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital and Eye Research Centre, Chennai. DESIGN: This was an experimental study. METHODS: IOL scaffold technique was simulated in 12 caprine eyes with moderate lens changes using 12 IOLs (six acrylic hydrophilic and six polymethyl methacrylate IOL) in experimental set up. IOLs (6 mm optic diameter) were explanted from the caprine eyes immediately after the surgery and examined under light microscopy and phase contrast microscopy for anterior and posterior optic changes, and again after 24 hours. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed in IOLs with abnormalities. Two IOLs placed in caprine eyes that did not undergo scaffold procedure acted as controls. A trocar anterior chamber maintainer was used in four eyes. RESULTS: Four out of 12 IOLs showed mark defects on the surface in mid periphery. Linear mark defects measured IOL 1 (190 µm), IOL 6 (18 µm), IOL 2 (2.33 µm, 2.3 µm, 14 µm, 14 µm) and IOL 5 (12 µm). The marks do not change after 24 hours. There were no mark defects (micro abrasions or scratches) seen on any of the IOL's in the central 4 mm of the optic anterior surface. The control IOLs showed no surface changes. The pre-experiment mark defects (n = 0) in study IOLs changed to post-experiment (n = 7), with no statistical significance obtained (p = 0.059). CONCLUSION: IOL scaffold technique can cause microscopic optic surface changes seen as linear marks defects in the mid periphery and intraoperative fluid maintenance can reduce its incidence.