Opacified Lens Exchange – Complications

Abstract PurposeTo describe the long-term outcome after intraocular lens exchange with focus on visual recovery and any occurring serious complications.Methods: Patients with a Lentis LS-502-1 IOL implanted between February 2008 and March 2012 were identified. Medical records and information from the treating ophthalmologists were reviewed to determine the IOL status (clear or opacified). Visual outcomes and any occurring complications were analyzed.Results: Lentis LS-502-1 was implanted 1204 times in 1025 patients between February 2008 and March 2012.Lens exchange resulted in a significant improvement of BCDVA from 0.42±0.32logMar (mean±SD) in opacified lenses to 0.25±0.28logMar. An analysis of serious complications occurring was possible in 48 of the 55 explant cases.9 out of 48 patients (18.8%) underwent 11 further surgical procedures due to four indications: IOL dislocation (n = 2, 4.2%), retinal detachment (RD) (n = 6, 12.5%), epiretinal membrane (n = 2, 4.2%) and pupillary block (n= 1, 2.1%). 3 patients (6.3%) developed a temporarily elevated intraocular pressure. The rate of patients suffering from postoperative CME in our study was 4.2%.Conclusions: IOL exchange overall is a safe procedure restoring disturbed vision in most of the cases. Nonetheless it can lead to severe, sight threatening, complications even in eyes without predisposing ocular comorbidities.