Preparation of Hydrophobic Acrylic Foldable Intraocular Lens for Cataract Surgery

The aim of this study was to prepare a foldable intraocular lens (IOL) from hydrophobic acrylates. For this purpose, methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate was molded and copolymerized in the presence of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate cross-linker. The prepared IOL was subjected to chemical, thermal, and physical tests. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the copolymerization was complete and successful at the selected processing conditions. The results from differential scanning calorimetry indicated a glass transition temperature below the room temperature for the prepared IOL. In addition, a hydrophobic nature was found for the IOL surface after the static contact angle measurement. Finally, an elongation at break of 157 % was recorded for the copolymer after tensile testing suggesting that the IOL is flexible and foldable.