UK Trial Examines Equivalence of Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic IOLs in PCO Prevention
Rayner announced results of a prospective, single-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London, the results of which were presented by Khayam Naderi, MD, MBBS BSc (Hons), MA FRCOphth, at the 2025 ESCRS Congress. The study showed that hydrophilic and hydrophobic IOLs can be clinically and statistically equivalent in preventing posterior capsular opacification (PCO).
Led by Professor David O’Brart, the trial compared two aspheric acrylic monofocal IOLs from Rayner: the hydrophilic RayOne RAO600C and its hydrophobic counterpart RayOne RAO800C. All implants were performed by the same surgeon using identical techniques, and both lenses share Rayner’s Amon-Apple 360° enhanced square-edge design to block lens epithelial cell migration—a key contributor to PCO.
Key 24-Month Outcomes
Presented by Dr. Naderi at the 2025 ESCRS Congress:
Visual Gains: Both groups achieved significant improvements in uncorrected and best-corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and BDVA) and in CATPROM-5 patient-reported outcomes (all P<0.0001)
PCO Rates: The incidence of visually significant PCO requiring Nd:YAG capsulotomy showed no statistical difference between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups (P=0.14).
This is the first known RCT to isolate lens material as the single variable by controlling surgeon, clinic, manufacturer, and lens geometry.
The findings suggest that edge design and surgical technique may exert greater influence on PCO formation than IOL material itself. Surgeons can therefore select lens material based on handling preferences—such as foldability and intraoperative behavior—without compromising long-term clarity.
“Having sold millions of hydrophilic and hydrophobic lenses, Rayner is uniquely positioned to compare materials while eliminating confounding variables,” said Tim Clover, CEO of Rayner. “These results confirm equivalence and support surgeons in choosing lenses for their preferred handling characteristics while ensuring patient safety.”
The complete St. Thomas’ study will be published in the coming months.