Research Progress on the Mechanisms of Intraocular Lens Opacification

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Intraocular lens (IOL) opacification is an important postoperative complication that can impair long-term visual quality after cataract surgery. This review proposes a ”dynamic mismatch” framework: opacification may occur when material characteristics-including surface chemistry, charge, water content, polymer-network properties, and manufacturing stability-cannot adequately adapt to dynamic intraocular changes in ions, proteins, oxidative stress, gas or silicone-oil exposure, and mechanical loading. Hydrophilic acrylic IOLs predominantly develop calcification, whereas hydrophobic acrylic IOLs are more prone to glistenings and subsurface glistenings. This review evaluates the relevant mechanisms and strength of evidence and proposes a risk-stratified prevention strategy based on material-patient-procedure matching, quality control, and postoperative monitoring.