Posters

Pseudophakic intraocular lens explantation: morphological differences observed by scanning electron microscopy according to the reason for IOL explantation

Poster Details

First Author: R.Fernández-Buenaga SPAIN

Co Author(s):    J. Alio   J. Ramirez   J. Prause   A. Ramírez   R. de Hoz   A. Triviño

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To compare variations in surface morphology, as studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), of explanted intraocular lenses (IOLs) concerning the cause leading to the explantation surgery.

Setting:

Vissum Corporation, Alicante, Spain

Methods:

Prospective multicentre study. Explanted IOLs were analyzed by SEM and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The IOLs were explanted in the centres of the research group from 2006 to 2012. The primary procedure was phacoemulsification in all cases.

Results:

The study evaluated 40 IOLs. The main causes for explantation were IOL dislocation, refractive error and IOL opacification. Those, explanted due to dislocation, demonstrated calcifications in 8 lenses (50%), salt precipitates in 6 cases (37.5%), and erythrocytes and fibrosis/fibroblasts in 2 cases (12.5%). In the refractive error cases, the SEM showed proteins in 5 cases (45.5%) and salt precipitates in 4 lenses (36.4%). In IOL opacification, the findings were calcifications in 2 of the 3 lenses (66.6%) and proteins in 2 lenses (66.6%).

Conclusions:

A marked variation in surface changes were observed by SEM. Findings did not correlate with cause for explantation. SEM is a useful tool that provides exclusive information regarding the IOL biotolerance and its interactions with the surrounding tissues. FINANCIAL INTEREST: NONE