Intraocular Lenses (IOLs)

An intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial lens implanted in the eye, most commonly during cataract surgery to replace the natural crystalline lens after phacoemulsification. Modern IOLs are typically foldable, allowing insertion through a small clear corneal incision. Alcon IOLs use a hydrophobic acrylic material (AcrySof and the newer Clareon platform). Clareon is a high-refractive-index, hydrophobic acrylic designed for excellent optical clarity, low rates of glistenings, and a low incidence of posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Most posterior chamber IOLs sit in the capsular bag, supported by haptics. The optic provides refractive power; the haptics provide centration and stability. Key design features include a square posterior optic edge to inhibit lens epithelial cell migration (reducing PCO), UV and blue-light filtering chromophores, and aspheric surfaces to reduce spherical aberration.