Acute haptic-induced ciliary sulcus irritation associated with single-piece AcrySof intraocular lenses

We report an analysis of 3 single-piece hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) that were explanted because of complications related to the presence of their haptics in the ciliary sulcus. In 2 cases, the IOL was primarily implanted in the ciliary sulcus because of inadequate posterior capsule support. In the third case, postoperative displacement of 1 haptic in the sulcus was associated with hyphema and vitreous hemorrhage. Ultrasound biomicroscopy confirmed the contact between the haptic and iris. Areas of iris atrophy were observed in all cases. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of the explanted lenses revealed the presence of pigmentary dispersion on the anterior surfaces. In Case 3, the pigments were concentrated on the surface of the haptic that was displaced from the capsular bag and on the corresponding optic-haptic junction. Scanning electron microscopy also showed the IOL's squared edges and unpolished side walls. The flexibility and thickness of the single-piece hydrophobic acrylic haptics, as well as the square optic and haptic edges, may increase the risk for iris chafing when the haptics are in the sulcus. Therefore, sulcus fixation of this IOL design is not recommended.