Decrease of visual function due to glistening and whitening of a hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens (a case report)

Poster Details

First Author: Y.Hidaka JAPAN

Co Author(s):    K. Negishi   H. Matsushima   H. Torii   M. Saiki   M. Dogru   K. Tsubota

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To report a case who received intraocular lens (IOL) exchange due to decreased visual function resulting from glistening and whitening (subsurface nano-glistening) of a hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL).

Setting:

Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine

Methods:

A 78-year-old woman presented with impaired right vision, six years after an uncomplicated cataract surgery with a hydrophobic acrylic IOL implantation. Her right corrected visual acuity was 20/25 immediately after cataract surgery and had decreased to 20/50 when she re-presented to our clinic. Slit lamp examination showed glistening and whitening of the IOL without posterior capsule opacification. Fundus examination revealed slight chorioretinal atrophy which was present and clinically stable after cataract surgery.

Results:

An IOL exchange was performed without any complication. Light transmission of the extracted IOL was measured in physiological saline at 33°C. Her corrected visual acuity improved to 20/25. Light transmission in the extracted IOL was 5.7% lower than that in an unused IOL in the visible range.

Conclusions:

Glistening and whitening of an IOL might result in degradation of visual function. IOL exchange is a justifiable treatment option in such cases. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE?: No