Each intra-ocular lens manufacturer faces a series of complex choices in deciding which material(s) to use for the production of intra-ocular lenses.
The choice of materials includes:

  • PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate)
  • Silicone (molded, using Optoform 80 or Nanoform 200)
  • Hydrophobic polymers
  • Hydrophillic polymers

Factors in the choice of material include:

  • Biocompatibility of the material with the eye, (including checks for cellular proliferation on the lens surface, opacification of the posterior capsule (PCO), etc.)
  • Foldability of the lens material (where an incision size of about 2.8 mm, or less, will reduce the potential for surgically induced astigmatism, shorten healing time and minimize trauma to the corneal endothelium.)
    • Of the 1.4 million cataract surgeries performed in the United States in 2002, approximately 96% were done using foldable lenses.
  • Market demand and requirements
  • Regulations of government and industry controlling organizations
  • Costs of the material
  • Costs of suitable production methods (and suitability of the material to design and production method)
  • Ease of working with the material (brittleness or propensity to cracking or tearing)

Some current market statistics (by material)

Alcon SA60AT intraocular lens

  • PMMA: In recent years, PMMA has lost market share, but this change varies greatly by region. For example, in the USA and Europe less than 10% of IOLs are now made from PMMA, whereas in India the number has recently been around 90%.
  • Silicone: In the USA and Europe, silicone lenses represent between a quarter and one third of the market.
  • Hydrophobic materials have significant market share in the USA and Europe, although they hold a higher market share in the USA.
    • Hydrophobic acrylic foldable intraocular lenses are currently produced and sold by three major companies: Alcon, AMO, and Medennium.
    • Each company uses a proprietary material, making material development the barrier to entry in the hydrophobic acrylic market.
    • Alcon currently holds the largest marketshare, with around 50% of the US market. Their next competitor, AMO, has around 26% of the US Market.
  • Hydrophillic materials in the IOL sector may be approaching one third of the market in Europe, but are not yet FDA approved in the USA.

Sterling Ultra Precision can assist interested manufacturers in setting up suitable production processes.

For materials, together with full specifications, samples and assistance, please visit www.vista-optics.com or email sales@vista-optics.com.