Long-Term Outcome and Complications of IOL-Exchange

PURPOSE: To describe the long-term outcome after intraocular lens (IOL) exchange for IOL-opacification with a focus on any occurring complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with an IOL exchange for opacified IOLs (Lentis LS-502-1) were identified. Medical records and information from the treating ophthalmologists were reviewed. Visual outcomes and any occurring complications after the IOL exchange were analyzed. RESULTS: IOL exchange was performed in 48 eyes of 46 patients and significantly improved best-corrected distance visual acuity from 0.42 ± 0.32 logMar (mean ± SD) in opacified lenses to 0.25 ± 0.28 logMar after IOL exchange. Nine of the 48 eyes (19%) underwent 11 further surgical procedures for complications due to four indications: IOL dislocation (n = 2, 4%), retinal detachment (RD) (n = 6, 12%), epiretinal membrane (n = 2, 4%), and pupillary block (n = 1, 2%). Three eyes (6%) developed a temporarily elevated intraocular pressure. Temporary postoperative cystoid macular edema was found in 2 eyes (4%). CONCLUSION: IOL exchange can restore vision owing to IOL opacification in most cases. Nonetheless, IOL exchange is not an easy or risk-free procedure. This may lead to sight-threatening complications, even in eyes without predisposing ocular comorbidities.