Hydrophilic Intraocular Lens Opacification After Uncomplicated Cataractsurgery : A Case Series

To describe clinical findings and management of intraocular lens (IOL) opacification

Department of Ophthalmology, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia

A retrospective case series including patients diagnosed with IOL opacification. Clinical  findings, managemnt and outcomes were described.

There were four women and three men with a mean age of 61.3 years. The mean duration of pseudophakia was 3.25 years. All patients underwent uneventful phacoemulsification with hydrophilic acrylic IOL implantation. All patients had significant visual impairement with a mean initial BCVA of +1.6 LogMar  In 2/7 cases, IOL opacification was misdignosed as posterior capsular opacification and Yag laser capsulotomy was attempted with no success. Five patients underwent IOL exchange. Secondary IOL were implanted in the capsular bag (n=1), the sulcus (n=1), the anterior chamber (n=1) or were scleral fixated (n=2). Mean post-operative BCVA was +1.0 LogMar. Poor visual outcomes was related to macular or optic disc atrophy.

IOL opacification is a rare complication, however it may significantly reduce visual quality, leading to IOL exchange. Ophthalmologists should be aware of this complication as errogenous diagnosis like posterior capsular opacification, vitreous hemorrhage or haze can lead to unnecessary and hazardous treatment.