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Opacification of IOLs after DSAEK

Session Details

Session Title: Ocular pathologies and training and innovation

Session Date/Time: Monday 07/10/2013 | 08:00-10:00

Paper Time: 08:56

Venue: Emerald (First Floor)

First Author: : R.Khoramnia GERMANY

Co Author(s): :    R. De Cock   I. Lieberwirth   M. Emesz   M. Whiting   G. Auffarth  

Abstract Details

Purpose:

We report about the findings in opacified IOLs after DSAEK using light and scanning electron microscopy as well as x-ray spectroscopy.

Setting:

International Vision Correction Research Centre (IVCRC), Department of Ophthalmology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. Max Planck Insitute for Polymer Research, Mainz, Germany.

Methods:

Six hydrophilic IOLs with opacification after DSAEK have been evaluated in this ongoing analysis so far. The explanted IOLs were cut in half. One half was stained (Alizarin red and von Kossa) and examined using light microscopy. The other half was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The composition of the deposits was analyzed by means of x-ray spectroscopy.

Results:

Macroscopically, all IOLs showed opacifications mostly in center of the optic. In all IOLs, light and scanning electron microscopy revealed numerous fine, granular, crystalline-like deposits below the anterior surface of the IOL. These deposits caused an elevation of the surface of the IOL. X-ray spectroscopy could prove the deposits to consist of calcium and phosphate. Examination of the posterior surface did not reveal deposits in any of the lenses.

Conclusions:

The calcification of hydrophilic IOLs only occurs rarely. However, the injection of intracameral gas during DSAEK seems to increase the risk for IOL opacification. Granular deposits below the anterior surface of the IOLs can be responsible for such a decrease in visual acuity that patients require IOL exchange.

Financial Interest:

... research is funded, fully or partially, by a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented