Comparative Analysis of Mechanical Stability and Biomarkers of Commercial and Modified Intraocular Lens (IOL) Models: A Numerical and Experimental Approach

TL;DR

This study compares the mechanical stability of various intraocular lens models and geometric modifications using numerical simulations and experiments, highlighting how design changes affect stability and clinical performance.

Contribution

It introduces a validated FEM-based framework to evaluate and optimize IOL designs for improved mechanical stability and patient outcomes.

Findings

UD613 showed highest compression force and stress.

V5 had highest elastic modulus in dry environment.

V4 was identified as the most mechanically stable design.

Abstract

This study comprehensively investigates the mechanical stability of intraocular lenses (IOLs) - critical components in cataract surgery - by analyzing their haptic designs. Three commercial models (ALSEE, GF3, and UD613) and five geometric variations (V1 to V5) derived from the GF3 model were comparatively evaluated in both dry and saline environments. The methodology utilized the Finite Element Method (FEM) to analyze computer-aided designs (CAD) created in SolidWorks under quasi-static compression forces (0.5 to 2.0 N). Mesh independence tests were performed to ensure simulation accuracy, and boundary conditions were defined according to physiological parameters. Numerical data were evaluated using key mechanical biomarkers: axial displacement, elastic modulus, stress, and strain. Results indicated that the UD613 model exhibited the highest compression force and stress values in both environments. While the V5 variation showed the highest elastic modulus in the dry environment, the V2 model outperformed others in this parameter within the saline environment. Notably, the GF3 model provided more balanced mechanical responses compared to its commercial counterparts, serving as the baseline for the developed geometric variations. The findings demonstrate that even minor modifications in haptic arm geometry significantly impact the mechanical stability of the lens. Optimizing this stability is crucial in clinical applications to minimize decentration, tilt, and rotation, which degrade optical quality. Analysis concluded that the V4 model offers the most suitable geometric structure for mechanical stability and potential patient comfort. This research establishes a validated simulation framework for manufacturers and R&D teams to develop next-generation IOL designs with superior optical performance and long-term durability.