Dislocated intraocular lens (IOL) is a rare but serious complication in which the intraocular lens moves from its normal position in the eye. IOL dislocations have been reported at a rate of 0.2% to 3%.
Is a displaced IOL an emergency?
An untreated lens dislocation can lead to dangerous complications such as intraocular inflammation, retinal detachment, corneal edema, and other problems. If you notice a change in visual perception, it can be a symptom of a serious eye emergency
What Causes Lens Dislocation After Cataract Surgery?
The first occurs during your first cataract surgery and is caused by a break in the layer that holds the lens or the cables that connect it to the eye. Anything that weakens the lens capsule or its cables can cause dislocation during surgery.
Can a displaced IOL be left untreated?
Untreated cases may develop a severe decrease in visual acuity due to complete dislocation of the IOL into the vitreous cavity, chronic cystoid macular edema (CME), anterior uveitis, or retinal detachment.
How often does the lens move after cataract surgery?
It is estimated that between 0.05% and 3% of cataract surgery patients suffer from spontaneous IOL dislocation. Some studies show that the incidence is higher 5 years after surgery.
How to treat a displaced IOL?
When treating dislocated IOLs, there are several surgical options that need to be individualized. Surgery usually involves a pars plana vitrectomy to remove the displaced lens using an IOL cutter or through a scleral tunnel or sclerocorneal incision. This is followed by the secondary IOL implantation
Can a dislocated lens be repaired?
If your vision is impaired and you have symptoms, your lens shift can be corrected with surgery
Can an IOL be repositioned?
The existing IOL can be repositioned or exchanged for a new one, but in either case the IOL should not descend further into the vitreous cavity