Intraocular Lenses Overview of Designs, Materials, and Pathophysiologic Features

This article provides an overview of intraocular lenses (IOLs) currently used in cataract surgery. Aspects presented include design features related to IOL construction and sites of fixation; optic, filter, and haptic materials; as well as pathophysiologic features of uveal biocompatibility, capsular biocompatibility, and postoperative IOL opacification. This overview also includes supplementary (add-on; piggyback) lenses implanted in eyes that are already pseudophakic and considerations on IOLs used in the pediatric population. Different IOLs are made available to surgeons each year, including lenses with increasingly complex design characteristics owing to advancements in manufacturing and surgical techniques. (C) 2020 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology

Automated summary

This article provides an overview of intraocular lenses (IOLs) used in cataract surgery, covering design features, materials, and biocompatibility. It also discusses supplementary lenses and considerations for pediatric patients. New IOLs with increasingly complex design characteristics are introduced to surgeons each year due to advancements in manufacturing and surgical techniques.