The current study demonstrates that a coating deposited in vivo on the lens surface is responsible for the light scatter observed when incident light is applied.

<h4>BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE</h4> <p>To investigate the surface light scatter and optical quality of AcrySof lenses (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX) following simulated aging of 20 years.</p> <h4>MATERIALS AND METHODS</h4> <p>AcrySof lenses were exposed to exaggerated thermal conditions to simulate up to 20 years of aging and were tested for surface light scatter and optical quality (modulation transfer function).</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4> <p>There were no significant differences from baseline for either the surface light scatter or optical quality of the lenses over time.</p> <h4>CONCLUSION</h4> <p>The current study demonstrated that surface light scatter on AcrySof lenses did not increase under conditions simulating 20 years of aging. Because the simulated aging environment contained no protein, this work indirectly supports the finding that surface light scatter is due to the deposition of a biomaterial on the lens surface rather than changes in the material. Optical performance integrity of the test lenses was maintained under severe environmental conditions.</p> <p>[<cite>Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging</cite> 2008;39:214-216.]</p> <h4>AUTHORS</h4> <p>From the Department of Ophthalmology (SY, HN), Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan; Alcon Research, Ltd. (WK, DS), Fort Worth, Texas; and the Moran Eye Center (DJA), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.</p> <p>Accepted October 22, 2007.</p> <p>Financial support provided by Alcon Research, Ltd., Fort Worth, Texas.</p> <p>Ms. Kambhiranond and Mr. Stanley are employees of Alcon Research, Ltd.</p> <p>Address correspondence to Shigeo Yaguchi, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, 1-30 Fujigaoka, Aobaku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-8501 Japan.</p>