Surface Modification of Intraocular Lenses

OBJECTIVE: This paper aimed to review the current literature on the surface modification of intraocular lenses (IOLs). DATA SOURCES: All articles about surface modification of IOLs published up to 2015 were identified through a literature search on both PubMed and ScienceDirect. STUDY SELECTION: The articles on the surface modification of IOLs were included, but those on design modification and surface coating were excluded. RESULTS: Technology of surface modification included plasma, ion beam, layer-by-layer self-assembly, ultraviolet radiation, and ozone. The main molecules introduced into IOLs surface were poly (ethylene glycol), polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, TiO(2), heparin, F-heparin, titanium, titanium nitride, vinyl pyrrolidone, and inhibitors of cytokines. The surface modification either resulted in a more hydrophobic lens, a more hydrophilic lens, or a lens with a hydrophilic anterior and hydrophobic posterior surface. Advances in research regarding surface modification of IOLs had led to a better biocompatibility in both in vitro and animal experiments. CONCLUSION: The surface modification is an efficient, convenient, economic and promising method to improve the biocompatibility of IOLs.