Abstract

Secondary cataracts are quite often observed after implantation of polymeric intraocular lenses. The reason for this complication is that lens epithelial cells remain in the capsular bag when the natural lens is removed. They begin proliferation and cause secondary cataracts. It is not desirable to add cell toxic agents at the time of the implantation because wound healing is negatively affected. We have developed polymeric intraocular lenses which are equipped with a drug depot which may be released non-invasively through photochemical treatment. In the example presented the drug is 5-fluorouracil (5FU) which is covalently bound to the polymer. Delivery of 5FU from the polymer is done photochemically. Since light is transmitted permanently through the artificial intraocular lens and wearing of special glasses by the patient should be omitted conventional photochemistry is not a suitable tool for the drug release. The polymer-5FU linkage is designed in a way that it has a high two-photon absorption cross-section. Two-photon absorption is used to selectively release 5FU from the lens. The single-photon reaction is blocked since the cornea does absorb UV light. The principle shown here is not limited to 5FU but may be applied to other drugs also.

© 2003 SPIE