Posters

Utility of Scheimpflug imaging in assessing intraocular lens opacification

Poster Details

First Author: A. Turnbull UNITED KINGDOM

Co Author(s):    O. Bowen-Thomas   R. Morris                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To demonstrate the use of Scheimpflug imaging in identifying and assessing the degree and location of postoperative intraocular lens (IOL) opacification.

Setting:

Private practice, UK.

Methods:

Retrospective case series.

Results:

Three patients without ocular comorbidity presented several months after uncomplicated cataract surgery reporting a reduction in vision in the operated eye. Each patient had been implanted with a hydrophilic acrylic IOL and had an uneventful early postoperative period. Slit-lamp examination demonstrated signs of IOL opacification, which was subsequently confirmed by Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam; Oculus Optikgerate GmbH) to be on the surface of the optic – rather than within the optic or posterior capsule.

Conclusions:

Postoperative opacification of hydrophilic IOLs due to calcification is a recognised phenomenon, often necessitating IOL exchange. As calcification occurs within or on the IOL itself, laser procedures to the capsule are ineffective and may jeopardise subsequent IOL exchange. This case series highlights the utility of Scheimpflug imaging in assessing the extent of IOL opacification, helping confirm that the opacification is of the IOL itself and therefore not amenable to capsulotomy. Scheimpflug imaging may also help identify subclinical IOL opacification which is not readily observable on the slit-lamp, in patients presenting with otherwise unexplained visual disturbance in the late postoperative period.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE