In vitro protein adsorption to 2 intraocular lens materials.

PURPOSE: To study in vitro protein adsorption to poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and foldable AcrySof intraocular lenses (IOLs). SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, London, United Kingdom. METHODS: Poly(methyl methacrylate) (Alcon Surgical, model MC60BM) and AcrySof (Alcon Surgical, model MA60BM) IOLs were incubated in physiological concentrations of radiolabeled albumin or fibronectin at 37 degrees C for periods between 5 minutes and 1 week. The IOLs were removed and rinsed in buffered saline, and the amount of adsorbed protein was calculated by measuring the radioactivity with scintillation spectrometry. RESULTS: The adsorption of both proteins occurred rapidly over the first 2 hours; the rate of adsorption was concentration dependent. Quantitative differences were found: PMMA lenses bound significantly greater quantities of albumin. Initial fibronectin adsorption to both materials was similar, but increased adsorption to AcrySof IOLs was found at days 1 and 7. CONCLUSIONS: The differences in protein absorption to PMMA and AcrySof IOLs in vitro may contribute to the differences in the biological response to these IOLs, including the lower rates of posterior capsule opacification associated with acrylic lenses.