Multifocal IOL explantation in patients with opaque lentis after refractive lens exchange

We describe the outcomes of intraocular lens (IOL) explantation in a cluster of opaque multifocal Lentis LS-313 following refractive lens exchange (RLE).

Single-centre, single-surgeon, retrospective case series.

The study enrolled 10 eyes of 10 patients, 6 male and 4 female. All patients had uneventful RLE with multifocal IOL implantation. The mean patient age at the time of RLE was 53 years ± 2.52 (SD). Two eyes had YAG laser capsulotomy prior to explantation. The mean interval between the initial RLE and IOL explantation was 5.4 years ± 1.4 (SD). IOL exchange was performed in all eyes in one procedure. Five eyes had in the bag hydrophobic acrylic IOL (3 multifocal and 2 monofocal), three eyes had 3-piece hydrophobic acrylic IOL in the ciliary sulcus and two had an anterior chamber IOL. Intraoperatively one patient had weak zonules and two patients had zonular dehiscence and required anterior vitrectomy. The mean preoperative CDVA was 0.25 ± 0.15 (SD) logMAR and at the final follow-up, improved to 0.00 ± 0.07 (SD) logMAR (p < 0.01). Light microscopy with von Kossa stain confirmed IOL calcification. No postoperative complications were recorded.

IOL exchange appears to be a feasible and safe surgical option for multifocal IOL opacification. However, patients must be warned of additional intraoperative risks including zonular dialysis, vitreous loss, retinal detachment and need for potential scleral or iris fixated IOL or anterior chamber IOL (ACIOL) with its associated sequel of complications. Moreover, YAG laser capsulotomy should be considered carefully as it increases the chances of intraoperative complications and restricts the surgical options of secondary IOL insertion such as in-the-bag IOL exchange with MFIOL.