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Drug-loaded IOL may help prevent PCO

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An IOL that releases a drug after implantation may help prevent posterior capsular opacification, German researchers suggest.

The Polymer Attached Drug Intraocular Lens (PADIOL) is “photoloaded” with 5-fluorouracil using ultraviolet light, explained Dr. Norbert Hampp, of Philipps University Marburg. After implantation, re-exposure to UV light using an Nd:YAG laser causes the drug to become active, he said. He explained the mechanism of the device at the Laser 2003 meeting in Europe.

The drug release process currently requires light pulses at levels much higher than are currently acceptable for retinal exposure, according to a report on the meeting. Dr. Hampp said optimizing the lens material may allow the researchers to reduce the amount of light exposure needed. “Proof of principle has been shown,” he said.