Purpose:

To evaluate the biocompatibility and safety of a new accommodating modular posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) system from Atia Vision following implantation in rabbit eyes. Capsule opacification over a protracted period of time was also assessed.

Methods:

Six New Zealand white rabbits underwent bilateral phacoemulsification with placement of the test lens in the right eye and a control lens (Acrysof SA60AT) in the left eye. Slit-lamp examinations were performed at postoperative weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. After the examination at week 4, the optic of the modular lens was exchanged in the test eyes. All rabbits were sacrificed and eyes enucleated at week 6. After enucleation, the eyes were examined grossly from the Miyake–Apple view.

Results:

The base of the modular lens remained stable in all six rabbits through post-operative week 6. Exchange of the optic component was uneventful and found to be easy, without manipulation of the capsular bag. At the 6-week examination, posterior capsule opacification (PCO) was significantly higher in the control group (P = 0.0009; paired T test), and anterior capsule opacification was absent in the test group.

Conclusions:

Previous studies have shown that explantation/exchange of a modular system optic was safer and easier than a standard control IOL. This new accommodating modular lens system has demonstrated promising biocompatibility and PCO prevention in the rabbit model at six weeks postoperatively.