The why, what, and how of the technical specifications of IOL components and coating these complex devices.
In the world of senses, our vision is one of the most coveted. Because of our sight we have the pleasures of seeing expressions, like happiness on the faces of our children, experiencing history by touring buildings designed with fascinating artwork by the greats, like Michelangelo and Leonardo, and even the smallest things that bring the world to life, like color. Sometimes we take for granted this wonder. We wake up, open our eyes and it’s just there, the ability to see, never worrying if we were going to wake up without sight. Sadly, some people don’t get that luxury. Globally the number of people of all ages visually impaired is estimated to be 285 million, of whom 39 million are blind. People 50 years and older are 82% of all blind.¹ The major causes of visual impairment are uncorrected refractive errors (43%) and cataract (33%); the first cause of blindness is cataract (51%).¹ This is why Intraocular Lenses or “IOL’s” are such a spectacular medical advancement. Giving people who were going blind or are already completely blind, due to degenerative diseases, sight once again. It’s a miracle. So, how does Hydromer fit in to all of this glory? Our team of specialist answer that below!
What are IOL’s
And why is Hydromer’s hydrophilic coating important
Intraocular lens (IOL) is a lens implanted in the eye, as part of a treatment for cataracts or myopia, during cataract surgery after the cloudy eye’s natural lens (colloquially called a cataract) has been removed.² The cartridge that the IOL is used to insert into the eye, usually behind the cornea, is what Hydromer specializes in coating. As expected, eye surgery MUST be precise and stress-free. Because IOL’s are compacted into a very tiny insertion cartridge, it takes pressure and lubricity to push the device, correctly and timely, out of the injector nozzle 
into the eye. Without Hydromer’s proprietary hydrophilic or “lubricious” coating, the IOL would stick, causing the surgeon a lot of hassle, trying to push the IOL out with more force, altering the lens and possibly injuring the patient(s). Our Hydromer® Hydrophilic Coatings for IOL’s, by providing the perfect lubricity, assist with A) reducing the force needed to deliver the lens by the surgeon, B) preventing damage of the lens against the sides of the cartridge during formation and C) delivering the proper lens form and shape for the patient.
Hydromer also has vast experience with the various IOL cartridge materials such as Polypropylene, Polycarbonate etc. Through our expert process, we can select the right pretreatment for these difficult to coat substrates and then choose the right coating formulation that meets or exceeds your required needs.
Dye Test With Hydromer® Hydrophilic Coating
After the coatings process, through suitable dye testing, we can confirm the effectiveness of the coting to ensure it delivers the best result for your project. Not only the right coating formulation, but we can also provide you with the 
precise coating machine or entire turn-key process that is ready to go on your end, so that you can start coating these highly-in-demand IOL’s. Alternatively, we can coat your cartridges in our ISO/FDA certified clean room and provide you with a finished product ready to go!
Our Guarantee
We also have best-in-class customer service, knowing you will be a part of the process from start to finish. This offers you a piece of mind that our team of experts will make sure everything is up to your standards.
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