Management of a cataract patient with known allergy to methyl methacrylate

We report the management of a 78-year-old woman with cataract and a known allergy to methyl methacrylate (MMA). Intolerance to a dental prosthesis 34 years earlier led to a patch test, which confirmed contact allergy to MMA. Currently, the most commonly used IOLs are made of acrylic materials because of good ocular biocompatibility. In this case, we chose an acrylic-free silicone IOL and carefully assessed disposables and instruments for the presence of acrylates. The risk for complications caused by contact allergy to MMA could thus be prevented. The mechanism of acrylate allergy and the principles for allergy testing are reviewed. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.