Immunological reactions against PMMA lens material?

Abstract

We investigated the kind of reactions that occur after injection of a PMMA lens powder into the back skin of rabbit. The lens powder was suspended in NaCl and incomplete Freund's adjuvant to reinforce the immunological reaction. The ELISA test was carried out to detect antibodies against the lens material as a whole and against the UV absorber Tinuvin in particular. We also performed histological and immunohistochemical examinations of the back skin. We did not detect antibodies against either the lens material or against Tinuvin. Histological examination showed a foreign-body or delayed allergic reaction against the lens material. Lymphocytes surrounding the PMMA were found to be mainly of the T-type, which supports the results of the ELISA test.

Cell reaction and pigment deposits on the posterior chamber intraocular lens

“…Wolter described a glass membrane-like eosinophilic proteinaceous film covering the implants and found foreign body cell elements in this membrane (Wolter 1983a,b). Sivers & von Domarus (1984) and Redbrake et al (1993), among others, have suggested that this reaction is foreign body or delayed allergic reaction against the lens material.…”

“…Although intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is considered to be a safe operation with very few postoperative complications (Apple et al 1984), IOL is basically a foreign body in the eye (Ohara 1985;Puck et al 1984;Redbrake et al 1993). Nowadays, most IOLs are made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), either completely or with prolene loops.…”