Intraocular lens dislocation treatment
Intraocular Lens Dislocation Treatment
It affects between 0.05% and 3% of patients who have undergone cataract surgery
No. 1 symptom: Vision loss
Its incidence increases 5 years after cataract surgery
What is intraocular lens dislocation?
Intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation is a very rare condition that affects patients who have undergone cataract surgery. It consists of the displacement of the implanted lens towards the vitreous cavity of the eye. In other cases, the lens becomes decentered from the visual axis but does not fall into the vitreous cavity (subluxation).
Displacement of the intraocular lens causes changes in vision and, if it falls into the vitreous cavity, it can produce traction due to the eye’s own movement, potentially leading to retinal detachment and/or vitreous hemorrhage.
What causes it?
It is estimated that between 0.05% and 3% of patients who have undergone cataract surgery will suffer from a spontaneous dislocation of the IOL. Some studies show that its incidence is higher 5 years after surgery.
Sufferers usually have the following disorders or previous procedures:
- Crystalline pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PSX), which involves breakage of the ligaments that support the natural lens of the eye (zonule).
- High myopia
- Previously performed surgical procedures, such as glaucoma and vitrectomy
- Eye injuries
How can it be prevented?
IOL dislocation cannot be prevented as it occurs spontaneously. However, it is important for patients who have undergone cataract surgery to have regular check-ups and urgently visit the ophthalmologist if they notice any loss of vision.
Symptoms
The most characteristic symptom of IOL dislocation is vision loss, although some patients also report blurred or unfocused vision. It does not cause pain.
Associated treatments
- If the lens is in the vitreous cavity, treatment consists of performing a vitrectomy to remove it and implant a new lens or reposition the existing one.
- In cases where the IOL has not fallen into the vitreous cavity, the surgeon can simply reposition it without the need for a vitrectomy.