Mechanical Behaviour And Vaulting Of Implantable Collamer Lenses (Icl) In A Controlled In Vitro Model Using Containers Of Variable Dimensions

To evaluate the mechanical behaviour and vaulting characteristics of Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICLs) under conditions simulating varying sulcus-to-sulcus diameters. Accurate vault prediction is critical for successful ICL implantation.

In vitro experimental laboratory study, Clinica Baviera, Milan, Italy

An experimental model was developed utilizing a series of fixed-dimension containers of varying sizes to simulate different ciliary sulcus diameters. ICLs of different sizes were placed into the different containers and fully immersed in a balanced salt solution (BSS). High-resolution photography was used to capture the lens profile. Central vault was quantied through digital image analysis using ImageJ/Fiji software.

A direct and quantifiable correlation was observed between the specific size of the container and the resultant ICL vaulting. Placing the ICLs in progressively smaller containers (simulating a narrower sulcus) resulted in a progressive increase in the central vault. Data were plotted to obtain the vaulting curves of  ICLs of different sizes. This controlled setup successfully isolated the ICL's mechanical response to varying horizontal dimensions.

ICL vaulting is highly sensitive to the available horizontal space. Utilizing a series of fixed-dimension containers provides a reliable method for studying how vaulting varies according to sulcus size. Although the model does not fully replicate the complex biomechanical environment of human sulcus anatomy, this approach could help refine sizing algorithms and improve postoperative vault predictability.