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Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common complication of cataract surgery, and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is the standard of care for cataract patients. Induction of postoperative epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in residual lens epithelial cells (LEC) is the main mechanism by which PCO forms. Previous studies have shown that IOLs made with different materials have varying incidence of PCO. The aim of this paper was to study the interactions between human (h)LEC and polymer substrates. Polymers and copolymers of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and 3‐methacryloxypropyl tris(trimethylsiloxy)silane (TRIS) were synthesized and evaluated due to the clinical use of these materials as ocular biomaterials and implants. The chemical properties of the polymer surfaces were evaluated by contact angle, and polymer stiffness and roughness were measured using atomic force microscopy. In vitro studies showed the effect of polymer mechanical properties on the behavior of hLECs. Stiffer polymers increased α‐smooth muscle actin expression and induced cell elongation. Hydrophobic and rough polymer surfaces increased cell attachment. These results demonstrate that attachment of hLECs on different surfaces is affected by surface properties in vitro, and evaluating these properties may be useful for investigating prevention of PCO.

Current experimental vitreous substitutes only replace the physical functions of the natural vitreous humor. Removal of the native vitreous disrupts oxygen homeostasis in the eye, causing oxidative damage to the lens that likely results in cataract formation. Neither current clinical treatments nor other experimental vitreous substitutes consider the problem of oxidative stress after vitrectomy. To address this problem, biomimetic hydrogels are prepared by free radical polymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate. These hydrogels have similar mechanical and optical properties to the vitreous. The hydrogels are injectable through small‐gauge needles and demonstrate in vitro biocompatibility with human retinal and lens epithelial cells. The hydrogels and added vitamin C, an antioxidant, show a synergistic effect in protecting ocular cells against reactive oxygen species, which fulfills a chemical function of the natural vitreous. These hydrogels have the potential to prevent post‐vitrectomy cataract formation and reduce the cost of additional surgeries.