Experimental intraocular lens implantation in the rabbit eye and in the mouse peritoneal space. Part I: Cellular components observed on the implanted lens surface.

Polymethylmethacrylate and silicone intraocular lenses (IOLs) were implanted in the rabbit eye and in the mouse peritoneal space to study cellular response to the implanted IOL. Animals were sacrificed at various times after implantation. The removed IOLs were properly fixed and stained using Wolter's implant cytology technique. Scanning and transmission electron microscopic studies were performed. Macrophages, lymphocytes, and fibroblast-like cells were the major components identified. Occasional formations of foreign-body giant cells were seen. The responses observed on IOLs implanted in the rabbit eye were generally milder than those observed on IOLs implanted in the mouse peritoneal space.