PMMA 

 

• The original material used for IOLs

• Stiff, non-foldable and hydrophobic

• Water content of less than 1%

• Refractive index of 1.49

 

 

 

Rigid IOLs are made out of a single piece of PMMA

Large corneal incision is required for IOL insertion due to the rigidity

 

 

 

Compared to a human lens, PMMA transmits a broader spectrum of light

 - This allows the transmission of ultraviolet radiation

 

 

 

• PMMA has been known to develop small vacuoles in the lens optic 

• Known as 'glistenings', which can sometimes lead to opacification 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                       

                        Not the preferred material, but used in developing countries 

                                            Also used in children due to its ability to retain transparency up to 40 years

                  Doesnt cause severe inflammation or degrade in the eye