Hydrophilic Modification Of Hydrophobic Acrylic Intraocular Lens By Ultraviolet Radiation

Objective:Using the advanced ultraviolet light irradiation method, we graft hydrophilic molecular on hydrophobic intraocular lens (IOL) to modify its front surface while keep the rear surface hydrophobic, so as to explore a simple, economic, efficient method to improve the biocompatibilty of IOL and to bring it to industrial production.Methods:We use either chemical or physical method as pretreatment to photoinitiate hydrophobic acrylic IOLs and to graft hydrophilic phospholipid molecules,2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) on the front surfaces of IOLs using ultraviolet light irradiation. Infrared spectroscopy, electron spectroscopy are used to confirm successful graft. Surface static water contact angle and atomic force microscope are used to assess changes in physical and chemical properties of both front and rear surfaces of the IOLs after graft. Results:After grafting by ultraviolet irritation, the static water contact angle decreased significantly (p<0.01) with good correlation with grafting time. The presence of phospholipid molecules was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, electron spectroscopy, AFM revealed that the surface of the MPC-grafted IOL displayed no significant damage.Conclusion:Ultraviolet irradiation grafting technique can graft hydrophilic monomers MPC in the front surface of the hydrophobic acrylic IOL successfully. This method of manufacturing a new type of artificial lens can create a hydrophilic front surface and a hydrophobic rear surface, which has the potential to prevent postoperative complications like inflammation and posterior capsular opacification. The surface modification operation is simple, economical and environmental efficient with good market prospects.