Supercritical impregnation and optical characterization of loaded foldable intraocular lenses using supercritical fluids.

PURPOSE: To prepare drug-loaded intraocular lenses (IOLs) used to combine cataract surgery with postoperative complication treatment through supercritical impregnation while preserving their optical properties.

SETTING: Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, Laboratoire de Mécanique, Modélisation & Procédés Propres, Marseille, France, and He University Eye Hospital, Liaoning Province, China.

DESIGN: Experimental study.

METHODS: Supercritical impregnations of commercial foldable IOLs used in cataract surgery with ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic) and dexamethasone 21-phosphate disodium salt (an antiinflammatory drug) were performed in a noncontinuous mode. Impregnation amounts were determined through drug-release kinetic studies. The optical characterizations of IOLs were determined by evaluating the dioptric power and the imaging quality by determining the modulating transfer function (MTF) at a specified spatial frequency according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 11979-2:2014).

RESULTS: Transparent IOLs presenting an effective impregnation were obtained with a prolonged drug delivery during approximately 10 days. Optical characterizations (dioptric powers and MTF values) show preserved optical properties after supercritical treatment/impregnation.

CONCLUSION: Supercritical treatments/impregnations do not damage the optical properties of IOLs and are therefore adequate for the preparation of delivery devices used for cataract surgery.