A Laboratory Evaluation Of Nozzle Tip Damage In Four Generations Of Intraocular Lens Injector Systems Using A Self-Developed Damage Scale

Published 2022 - 40th Congress of the ESCRS

Reference: FPT01.09 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/wj59-c318

Authors: Lu Zhang* ¹ , Hui Fang ¹ , Sonja Schickhardt ¹ , Patrick Merz ¹ , Weijia Yan ¹ , Mélanie Leroux ² , Gerd Auffarth ¹

¹Heidelberg University,Heidelberg,Germany, ²Université Laval CA,Québec,Canada

Purpose

To to grade 60 injectors from four generations of injector models using our own system - the Heidelberg Score for IOL Injector Damage (“HeiScore”).

Setting

David J Apple Center for Vision Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.

Methods

After routine, uncomplicated cataract surgery, the IOL injectors were sent to the lab for further investigation of the nozzle tip damage. A self-developed damage scale( HeiScore) was developed and used to grade the nozzle tip damage. HeiScore has six grades of nozzle-tip damage: no damage (which was graded 0); slight scratches (1), deep scratches (2), extensions (3), cracks (4) and bursts (graded number 5). The score for each injector model was the sum of all grades (total number), and comparison was made between groups.

Results

The injectors showed varying damage profiles, from “no damage” to “crack”. Monarch Ⅲ D Cartridge resulted in the highest value of damage score. A tendency of a lower damage score in the newer generations of IOL injectors was noted. However, a statistically significant difference was observed only between Monarch Ⅲ D and AutonoMe.

Conclusions

The “Heidelberg Score for IOL Injector Damage” could efficiently and effectively evaluate the damage to IOL injector systems, which might help manufacturers optimize the positioning of the IOL in the injector during pre-loading.