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Spectroscopic analysis of silicone intraocular lenses by optical transmission measurements and FTIR

  • Alfio Torrisi EMAIL logo , Anna Maria Roszkowska , Mariapompea Cutroneo and Lorenzo Torrisi
Published/Copyright: May 23, 2025
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International Polymer Processing
From the journal International Polymer Processing Volume 40 Issue 4

Abstract

Since the mid-20th century, intraocular lenses (IOLs) have been widely used in cataract surgery to restore vision in patients with refractive issues, replacing the natural lens of the eye. In this study, we spectroscopically characterized silicone IOLs using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, optical transmission measurements, and wettability investigations after exposing the lenses to UV irradiation for several hours. The results provide valuable insights into the material composition, UV protection, and overall optical quality of IOLs, which are crucial for optimizing and improving the selection of these devices for clinical use. Moreover, the experimental results explain why this material has become less commonly employed for intraocular lenses. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation induces modifications in the surface layers, increasing wettability and compromising optical properties, including a significant reduction in visible light transmittance.

Keywords: ATR-FTIR spectroscopy; biomaterials; intraocular lenses; silicone; UV irradiation
Corresponding author: Alfio Torrisi, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, Enna 94100, Italy, E-mail:

  1. Research ethics: Not applicable.

  2. Informed consent: Not applicable.

  3. Author contributions: The authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission. Dr. Alfio Torrisi wrote the paper, performed the experimental measurements, and analyzed the data. Prof. Anna Maria Roszkowska provided the analyzed intraocular lens and contributed to write the paper. Dr. Mariapompea Cutroneo has performed experimental measurements. Prof. Lorenzo Torrisi has supervised the investigations.

  4. Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.

  5. Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.

  6. Research funding: None declared.

  7. Data availability: Not applicable.

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Received: 2025-02-15
Accepted: 2025-04-29
Published Online: 2025-05-23
Published in Print: 2025-09-25

© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

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https://doi.org/10.1515/ipp-2025-0016
Keywords for this article
ATR-FTIR spectroscopy; biomaterials; intraocular lenses; silicone; UV irradiation

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Frontmatter
  2. Review Articles
  3. A review on industrial optimization approach in polymer matrix composites manufacturing
  4. A review on the effect of fiber treatment and fillers on mechanical properties of kenaf fiber–reinforced composites
  5. Research Articles
  6. Synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate) microspheres using poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) as a suspending agent
  7. Medical grade polypropylene after artificial aging in regard to the VOC emissions
  8. Optimal performance of poly-hybrid nanocomposites promoted with carbon fibers and nano silicon carbide particles via compression associated with hot pressing: characterization study
  9. Spectroscopic analysis of silicone intraocular lenses by optical transmission measurements and FTIR
  10. Preparation and properties of biodegradable antibacterial polylactic acid/modified chitin antibacterial agent composites
  11. Impact of domain knowledge on developing pumping models for single-screw extruders using symbolic regression
  12. Calibrator modelling in the simulation of extrusion process
  13. Strength and thermophysical properties of polylactide-few-layer graphene composites
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