1949: First generation of IOLs

• Produced by Harold Ridley

• PMMA lens 

• Positioned in between the iris and posterior capsule

• However, was too thick, over-corrected by 14D and was known to dislocate inferiorly

 

 

Early 1950s: Second generation of IOLs 

• Termed as 'Early Anterior Chamber Lenses'

• Implanted into and supported by the anterior chamber angle 

• Simpler procedure, but required further development due to complications:

  • ​Corneal decompensation 

  • Glaucoma

  • Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy

 

 

1957: Third generation of IOLs

• 'Iris-clip' design developed by Binkhorst

• The design and method of fixation has influenced the development of modern IOLs used today

• Caused pupillary abnormalities and iris chafing 

 

•  The problems experienced with these lenses were further modified

•  Haptics were developed, designs developed and manufacturing                                                                  techniques changed until late 1990s

•  Since then, capsulotomy, phacoemulsfication and use of foldable                                                                IOLs have enabled smaller corneal incisions 

•  Leading to quicker surgery times and faster patient recovery 

 

 

 

• IOLs are made up of two components known as optics and haptics

• Optics contain an optical axis which focuses the light onto the retina, making up the majority of the IOL

• To serve the purpose of holding the intraocular lens in place and to prevent its dislocation within the capsule, extensions known as haptics make up the rest of the IOL

• Although they have a similar purpose, haptics can have different designs; loop haptics and plate haptics