Adhesion study of cultured human lens capsule cells on hydrophilic intraocular lenses coated with polyethylene glycol

PurposeTo evaluate the adhesion of human lens capsule cells on hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG).SettingDepartment of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Estadual Paulista–Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.DesignExperimental study.MethodsHuman anterior lens capsules obtained during cataract surgery were cultured and seeded (200 cells/IOLs) in triplicates on the surface of a copolymer comprising hydroxyethyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, and methyl methacrylate IOLs (Loflex) treated or not treated with PEG. After 26 hours, the number of viable adherent cells was estimated by counting in a hemocytometer.ResultsThe coating of hydrophilic acrylic IOLs with PEG was effective in inhibiting cell adhesion (P < .05). Cells showing 2 distinct morphologic patterns—epithelial and dendritic-like—were observed during the in vitro establishment of the cultures. A tendency toward greater adhesion of dendritic-like cells was observed in untreated IOLs compared with treated IOLs (P = .095).ConclusionCoating hydrophilic acrylic IOLs with PEG was effective in inhibiting cell adhesion. This treatment might play a role in posterior capsule opacification prevention.Financial DisclosureNo author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.