Postoperative opacification of intraocular lens: A case report

This case report describes a rare complication of intraocular lens (IOL) opacification in a 76-year-old female patient after age-related cataract surgery in the right eye. Although uncommon, IOL clouding can significantly impair postoperative visual acuity, necessitating surgical intervention. Therefore, choosing the right type of artificial crystal is extremely important.

The patient presented with progressive blurred vision in the right eye for one year. We confirmed the diagnosis and identified the underlying cause after thoroughly excluding other potential influencing factors and make a distinction from congenital cataracts. Subsequently, surgical intervention was performed on the right eye, involving removal of IOL and the re-implantation of new IOL. It resulted in significant improvement in the patient's postoperative vision.

Clouding of the IOL following cataract surgery is characterized by a reduction in lens transparency after implantation. Although relatively uncommon, this complication can significantly impair vision. The etiology of IOL opacification post-surgery primarily encompasses material-related factors, surgical factors, patient-specific factors, and other miscellaneous factors. This case underscores the critical importance of evidence-based IOL selection in cataract surgery to mitigate vision-compromising postoperative complications.

With the advancement of surgical techniques and the introduction of new materials, the incidence of IOL opacification following cataract surgery has significantly decreased. Looking ahead, we will prioritize the use of hydrophobic acrylic IOLs or novel anti-calcification IOLs in future surgeries. This strategic choice aims to further minimize the impact of long-term complications on visual acuity post-cataract surgery.