DESWELLED, HYDROGEL INTRAOCULAR LENSES

摘要

A method for reducing the size of hydrogel intraocular lenses by means of deswelling in hyperosmotic solutions (e.g., saturated sodium chloride solution) and a corresponding packaging arrangement are described. The deswelled, hydrogel lenses can be inserted through a much smaller surgical incision than fully hydrated lenses, yet retain all of the inherent advantages of hydrogel intraocular lenses (e.g., autoclavability). The lenses are rehydrated by the aqueous humor following implantation.