To improve application of hydrophobic polymethyl methacrylate intraocular lens (PMMA IOL) in a convenient and continuous way, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was immobilized by dielectric barrier discharge plasma at relatively high pressure. The hydrophilicity and topography of the modified IOL surface were comprehensively evaluated by contact angle and atomic force microscopy, while the surface biocompatibility of the modified IOL was investigated by platelets adhesion and cells proliferation experiments. The results revealed that the hydrophilicity of the HEMA-g-PMMA IOL samples were significantly and permanently improved. Less platelets attachment was observed on the modified IOL, especially in the HEMA(2)-g-PMMA IOL group (with 1.65 x 10(-1) mol/L HEMA concentration), which also suppressed the proliferation of cells.