The Challenge
An intraocular lens (IOL) is a synthetic, artificial lens that is placed inside a patient’s eye, most typically after cataract surgery. When the patient’s natural lens is removed due to disease, the eye’s ability to refocus is lost. IOLs are most commonly made from Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), silicone, acrylic, and other soft materials that enable them to be easily folded and inserted into the eye. During surgery, it is imperative that IOLs do not rip or tear, as even the smallest tear can be very uncomfortable for the patient. Some of the biggest challenges with testing IOLs are simulating the folding behavior experienced during surgery, and gripping these small, dime-sized, devices.
