Late IOL opacification: how did we deal with it?

Session Details

Session Title: Presented Poster Session: IOL Opacification

Venue: Poster Village: Pod 1

First Author: : A.Tomi ROMANIA

Co Author(s): :                           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

IOL opacification is an unexpected, frustrating complication after cataract surgery. It can occur in the early or late postoperative period. The ophthalmologist must recognize this complication and must inform the patient about the unhappy situation. In most cases, IOL exchange for IOL opacification cannot be avoided. The paper reports the visual outcome following IOL explantation in 7 cases which were diagnosed with late IOL opacification.

Setting:

Emergency Eye Hospital Bucharest, Romania

Methods:

We identified 11 pseudophakic eyes with IOL opacification, in which the same type of foldable hydrophilic IOL was involved. In seven cases (5 females, 2 males; mean age: 76 years) IOL explantation was decided. The time from initial surgery was 5 to 6.5 years.

Results:

Removal of the opacified IOL required meticulous dissection of the IOL from the capsular bag, in some cases enlarging the capsulorhexis. The IOL was removed completly, either in one or two pieces. We implanted a three-piece foldable IOL in the sulcus in 5 cases, in the bag in 1 case; one patient was left with aphakia. The BVCA (best corrected visual acuity) improved for all patients after surgery (mean BCVA with opacified IOL: 0,16; after IOL explantation: 0,73).

Conclusions:

Recognizing and reporting IOL opacification are the first mandatory steps in the management of this complication. The opacified lens must be explanted to obtain visual rehabilitation, although IOL exchange is not an easy procedure especially after a longer period from the initial surgery. The surgeon must be prepared to deal with this situation. Most of our cases had a good or satisfactory visual outcome.

Financial Disclosure:

None