Revolutionary Intraocular Lens Material Unveiled at the 8th Cataract and Glaucoma Forum

On December 7, the 8th Advanced Forum on Cataract and Glaucoma Developments hosted by the Ophthalmology Department of the PLA General Hospital was successfully held in Beijing. The forum brought together over 30 renowned experts from across China in the fields of cataract and glaucoma to present cutting-edge trends and deeply discuss the latest advances in diagnostics, treatment, and innovation.

A key highlight was the first public presentation in China of clinical trial results for the world’s newest generation of intraocular lenses (IOLs) made from cross-linked polyisobutylene (xPIB). This IOL was independently developed by Xi’an Eyedeal Medical Technology Co., Ltd. and its clinical trial was led by Professor Zhao Yune from the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. Backed by outstanding optical, biological, and physical-chemical properties as well as multi-year clinical data, the trial results validated the xPIB IOL’s safety and efficacy. During a dedicated session, well-known cataract experts Prof. Li Chaohui, Prof. Zhao Yune, Prof. Zhang Jinsong, and Prof. Cui Wei held an in-depth discussion on the future of this “revolutionary” material, sparking widespread interest across the field.

Clinical Trial Summary of xPIB Intraocular Lens

Scientifically proven safety and efficacy offer cataract patients and doctors a superior new option

— Prof. Zhao Yune, Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University

In her presentation, Prof. Zhao highlighted the remarkable properties of the xPIB IOL material. She explained that xPIB is chemically cross-linked from copolymers without any added small molecules, and contains only carbon and hydrogen atoms in its structure. This gives the material exceptional biocompatibility, stability, and physical-chemical integrity — with no hydrolyzable groups, degradation, fragmentation, or brittleness.

“xPIB IOL is the world’s first new-material intraocular lens in nearly 30 years,” said Prof. Zhao. “It features no glistenings, no calcification, minimal inflammation, and combines a high refractive index with a high Abbe number. This enables a large optical zone design with micro-incision implantation.”

In randomized, parallel-controlled trials over several years, xPIB IOL was compared to traditional hydrophobic acrylic IOLs. The data showed that the xPIB IOL significantly improved post-operative visual acuity, meeting all pre-set primary efficacy endpoints, with no adverse events beyond the normal scope of cataract surgery complications.

Prof. Zhao shared her own surgical experience from November 2021, when she implanted the world’s first xPIB IOL:“The implantation was incredibly smooth, with OCT confirming excellent IOL positioning — no decentration or tilt. Postoperative refraction was very stable. This innovative material offers a safe and reliable new option for both patients and doctors. Especially its ultra-large 6.5mm optical zone provides greater clinical benefit.”

Expert Panel on the Clinical Application of “Revolutionary” New Material IOLs

Prof. Li Chaohui, Prof. Zhang Jinsong, Prof. Cui Wei, Prof. Zhao Yune

Discussing the clinical prospects and potential of xPIB

The session was chaired by Prof. Li Chaohui, Director of Ophthalmology at the PLA General Hospital, who noted in his opening remarks:“For decades, there has been no revolutionary breakthrough in IOL materials. The emergence of this new-generation cross-linked polyolefin (xPIB) lens is a breath of fresh air and gives hope to the future of ophthalmology. Material innovation will drive progress across the industry.”

Prof. Li also shared that international experts have shown strong interest in xPIB IOLs at major global events such as the ASCRS, ESCRS, and China-Japan-Korea Ophthalmology Symposiums. The David J. Apple Laboratory, one of the most authoritative institutions in the field, has praised the lens’s outstanding performance.

Research from the Apple Lab confirmed that xPIB is more hydrophobic, has a higher refractive index and Abbe number, and eliminates glistenings, halos, and glare — outperforming conventional acrylic IOLs in clinical potential.

Prof. Li emphasized that doctors, in addition to clinical responsibilities, should also strive to invent new procedures and products to contribute to societal progress. He expressed hope that xPIB’s clinical debut would create new opportunities for ophthalmic innovation.

In the panel discussion, Prof. Zhang Jinsong of Aier Eye Hospital Group recalled his experience at the Apple Lab in the 1990s and stressed the importance of passing rigorous accelerated aging tests for IOL materials. He noted that xPIB performed exceptionally well, ensuring long-term performance stability post-implantation. Its high refractive index and Abbe number point to superior visual outcomes, and its balance of elasticity and firmness suggests potential for modular designs and drug-eluting IOLs in the future.

Prof. Cui Wei, Chief Cataract Expert at Chaoju Eye Group, remarked that the history of IOL development is a history of polymer evolution. New, better-performing materials are key to driving the industry forward.

He praised xPIB for its rare combination of high refractive index and high Abbe value, which together promise excellent post-op visual quality. He expressed hope that this material could also be applied in artificial corneas and other ocular implants.

Prof. Zhao concluded with clinical insights from three years of patient follow-up, confirming xPIB’s long-term stability. She expressed optimism for future optical design iterations beyond the 6.5mm model, to offer patients a broader range of vision correction solutions.