Cataracts and presbyopia are the two most common eye diseases related to the natural lens. A cataract is defined as a loss of lens transparency. Presbyopia, a condition that typically presents in middle age, causes a progressively worsening ability to accommodate (focus on near objects). Glasses, contact lenses, and various monofocal or bifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) are available to provide a static correction because of their fixed focal length and lack of or limited flexibility. Hence, the treatment of presbyopia and cataract by restoring the eye’s accommodative ability is critical and yet challenging. Replacing the hardened lens with a suitable soft and transparent material can help restore the accommodative ability. To replace the deformed human lens and treat cataracts and presbyopia, we synthesize a series of biostable polymeric filling materials with defined viscosity and refractive index for our first-generation IOLs which contain a polymeric capsule with a polymeric filling material inside. In addition, we work on ultrasoft polymeric gels for the second-generation all-in-one system which potentially allows eye muscles to change the shape of the artificial lens (accommodation) and provide near and distance visions at the same time. We investigate the compressive strength, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness of the polymer gels as artificial lens candidates. We will discuss our most recent efforts on the synthesis and applications of polymer melts and gels for use in human eyes.

Polymeric materials with defined viscosity and optical properties for intraocular lens applications

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.