Intraocular lens exchange for late-onset opacification.
OBJECTIVE
To report on the clinical, light microscopic and spectroscopic analyses of Hydroview intraocular lenses (IOLs) explanted for late postoperative IOL opacification.


METHODS
Retrospective study of all cases with secondary lens implantation performed at the University Hospital of Antwerp during a period of one year (2002-2003) for postoperative opacification of Hydroview IOLs. Further analyses on some of the explanted IOLs included gross and light microscopic evaluation and RAMAN spectroscopy.


RESULTS
Lens exchange for late-onset IOL opacification was needed in seven eyes of six patients. IOL opacification became apparent between 15 and 25 months after uneventful phacoemulsification and lens implantation. Visual acuity varied from < 0.05 to 0.6 before explantation. In almost all cases postoperative visual acuity improved to the pre-opacification level. Light microscopic and spectroscopic analyses showed that the opacification was mainly located in the anterior portion of the IOL optic as a layer of irregular granular deposits composed of calcium phosphate.


CONCLUSIONS
Late postoperative opacification of Hydroview IOLs may cause severe visual impairment, requiring explantation. Calcium phosphate is involved in the formation of these opacifications. Reporting on this type of complications is mandatory according to the Belgian and European directives for medical devices.
van Looveren
J
J
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Antwerp, Belgium. oftalmo@uia.ua.ac.be
Tassignon
M J
MJ
D000368:Aged; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010211:Papilledema / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies