Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026
04:36
Implantation Protocol of the Foldable Capsular Vitreous Body for Complex Vitreoretinal Surgery
Published on: April 14, 2026
84
[Unusual IOL Calcification following Vitreoretinal Surgery with Silicone Oil Endotamponade]
A Chronopoulos1, Z Varga1, P A Steinfeld2
1Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinik Genf, Genf, Schweiz.
Klinische Monatsblatter Fur Augenheilkunde
|November 14, 2014
Summary
Calcification of intraocular lenses (IOLs) is rare, especially in hydrophobic types. This study details two cases of IOL calcification after vitrectomy and silicon oil use, requiring explantation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Calcification of intraocular lenses (IOLs) is a known complication, though less common now.
- While typically seen in hydrophilic IOLs, it has rarely been reported in hydrophobic IOLs.
Observation:
- This report presents two unusual cases of IOL calcification following vitrectomy and silicon oil endotamponade.
- One IOL was hydrophobic, and the other was hydrophilic with a hydrophobic surface.
Findings:
- Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed massive calcium deposits on the hydrophilic IOL.
- The hydrophobic IOL showed diffuse vacuolation and calcification with elements including oxygen, silicon, magnesium, aluminum, sulfur, and phosphorus.
Implications:
- IOL explantation due to calcification is an uncommon but necessary procedure.
- Understanding factors contributing to calcification may help reduce incidence, but IOL exchange is the primary treatment for symptomatic cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
1.7K
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
1.7K
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
1.7K
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
1.7K