Silicone oil-intraocular lens interaction: which lens to use?

AIM: To determine a suitable intraocular lens for implantation in patients at high risk of lens exposure to silicone oil in their lifetime. METHODS: PMMA, AcrySof, AR40, AQUA-Sense, and Raysoft lenses were examined. Each lens was immersed for 5 minute intervals in balanced salt solution (BSS), in stained silicone oil, and again in BSS before being photographed in air and in BSS. Percentage silicone oil coverage of the lens optic was determined. RESULTS: The mean percentage coating (MPC) for the lens biomaterials ranged from 5.2% to 21.5%. The Raysoft lens had significantly less oil coverage when statistically compared with the other lens types (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A Raysoft (Rayner) lens is a suitable lens for implantation in patients who are at risk of severe vitreoretinal disease.