title: Longitudinal study of intraocular lens exchange.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the indications for intraocular lens (IOL) exchange, interval between the first IOL implantation and the exchange, type and mix of IOLs used, effect on vision, and frequency of complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cincinnati Eye Institute-Cincinnati-Ohio-USA.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective study comprised 49 eyes of 49 adult patients who had IOL exchange between 1986 and 2002 performed by the same surgeon. The mean age was 70 years old, and 55% were women. The mean interval between surgeries was 53.8 months and the mean follow-up, 35.6 months. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of IOL originally implanted: anterior chamber (AC) or posterior chamber (PC).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 15 eyes with an AC IOL and 34 eyes with a PC IOL. The difference in mean age and follow-up were not statistically significant between groups. The mean interval between the primary surgery and IOL explantation was 82.3 months in the AC IOL group and 37.9 months in the PC IOL group. The main reason for IOL exchange was inflammation (53.34%) and dislocation/decentration (85.30%), respectively. The preoperative best corrected visual acuity was similar in both groups, and visual acuity was maintained or improved in 80%. Vitreous prolapse was the main intraoperative complication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The primary indication for IOL exchange was intraocular inflammation in patients with an AC IOL and IOL malposition in patients with a PC IOL. The results confirm the safety and positive visual outcome in this complex group of patients.
authors.affiliation: Cataract Sectors, Complexo Hospitalar Padre Bento de Guarulhos and Centro de Estudo do Hospital Monumento, São Paulo, Brazil. fredani2010@terra.com.br
authors.forename: Frederico F
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Marques
authors.forename: Daniela M V
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Marques
authors.forename: Robert H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Osher
authors.forename: Lincoln L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Freitas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000867:Anterior Chamber / Q000601:surgery; D020878:Device Removal; D009877:Endophthalmitis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000601:surgery