In-the-bag capsular tension ring and intraocular lens subluxation or dislocation: a series of 23 cases

To describe clinical and pathologic findings from cases of in-the-bag capsular tension ring (CTR) and intraocular lens (IOL) subluxation or dislocation.

Retrospective case series with clinicopathologic correlation.

Twenty-three explanted subluxated/dislocated capsular bags containing a CTR and an IOL explanted in Europe and submitted in fixative to the Berlin Eye Research Institute.

Standard gross and light microscopy of specimens, complete histopathologic analyses of selected specimens done at the University of Utah, as well as questionnaire sent to explanting surgeons, and patient chart review, when available.

Lens design, material, and abnormalities, capsular bag anomalies, patient demographic data, surgical dates, and presence or absence of known risk factors.

Patients were aged 76.31 ± 8.24 years at explantation, which was performed 81.5 ± 32.2 months after implantation. The IOLs in these cases were 3-piece hydrophobic acrylic (N = 11), 1-piece hydrophobic acrylic (n = 6), 3-piece silicone (n = 4), or 1-piece hydrophilic acrylic (n = 2) designs; all CTRs were made of poly(methyl methacrylate). Available information on associated ocular conditions included pseudoexfoliation (n = 17), glaucoma (n = 4), vitrectomy/retina surgery (n = 3), and trauma (n = 1). Complete histopathologic assessment in 3 specimens showed signs consistent with pseudoexfoliation, without available history related to this condition in one of the cases. Moderate/severe degrees of Soemmering's ring formation and capsulorhexis phimosis were observed or reported in 13 and 11 specimens, respectively. Fourteen eyes were implanted and explanted by the same surgeon, with an interval of 92.7 ± 23.4 months between the procedures. His rate of explantation because of subluxation/dislocation was 0.76% of the CTRs implanted during the time considered.

Explantation because of postoperative subluxation or dislocation of CTR-IOL-capsular bag complexes occurred approximately 6.8 years after implantation in this series, providing further evidence that a fine line exists between zonular insufficiency that can be stabilized with the CTR alone and that requiring further support. Analyses of large series may help to define common factors associated with this complication, as well as surgical planning and employment of various endocapsular support devices to enhance postoperative zonular stabilization.