Intraocular lens explantation in Spain: indications and outcomes at a tertiary referral center from 2010 to 2018

How do intraocular lens materials influence the outcome of cataract surgery?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the evidence on the effect of intraocular lens (IOL) material on the outcomes of cataract surgery, as well as on the surgical procedure itself.

RECENT FINDINGS

Differences in capsular biocompatibility between IOL materials lead to variations in capsular stability and posterior capsule opacification (PCO), while differences in uveal biocompatibility affect postoperative inflammatory response.

SUMMARY

Refractive outcomes are affected by both incision size and the rotational stability of toric IOLs. Small incision sizes favour hydrophilic IOLs. Rotational stability of hydrophobic and hydrophilic IOLs were comparable in recent studies. Visual outcomes are affected by chromatic aberrations, dysphotopsia, lens opacifications and PCO. Hydrophilic IOLs are associated with reduced chromatic dispersion. Hydrophobic IOL opacifications are caused by sub-surface glistenings, while hydrophilic IOL opacifications are due to surface calcifications. Some surgeries, including pars plana vitrectomy and lamellar corneal transplants, were shown to increase the risk of IOL calcifications, although the mechanism is still unknown. Hydrophilic IOLs have greater ease of manipulation, greater resistance to IOL damage, and higher uveal biocompatibility. Hydrophobic IOLs show better PCO prevention than hydrophilic IOLs, and should be preferred in highly myopic eyes where Nd:YAG capsulotomy might increase the risk of retinal detachment.

Indications and Outcomes of Intraocular Lens Explantation in a Tertiary Eyecare Center in Hungary between 2006 and 2020

Purpose

Our study aimed to evaluate the indications and outcomes of intraocular lens (IOL) explantation surgeries in a tertiary eyecare center in Hungary.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included all IOL explantation surgeries performed between 2006 and 2020 at the Department of Ophthalmology of Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. There were no exclusion criteria for this study. For each patient, the demographics, clinical history, preoperative status, indications for IOL explantation, and operative and postoperative details were reviewed. Primary outcomes included explantation indications and the type of secondary implanted IOL.

Results

A total of 161 eyes from 153 patients were included (96 males; 62.7%); age at the time of the IOL explantation was 65.0 ± 17.4 years. The mean time between primary cataract surgery and IOL explantation was 8.5 ± 7.7 years. In total, 139 (86.3%) PCIOLs and 22 (13.7%) ACIOLs were explanted. The main indications for IOL explantation were dislocation (n = 133; 95.7%) and refractive cause (n = 2; 1.4%) in the PCIOL group. Among ACIOL explantations, the main reasons were pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (n = 14; 63.6%), dislocation (n = 4; 18.2%), and refractive cause (n = 2; 9.1%). In the PCIOL group, 115 (82.7%) primary IOLs were implanted in the capsular bag, 16 (11.5%) were sulcus fixated, and 8 (5.8%) were scleral fixated. The most frequent ocular comorbidities were previous vitrectomy (n = 50, 31.1%), previous ocular trauma (n = 45, 28.0%), glaucoma (n = 16, 9.9%), pseudoexfoliation syndrome (n = 15, 9.3%), and high axial myopia (n = 14, 8.7%). The most commonly used secondary IOL implant was the prepupillary iris-claw IOL (n = 115, 73.7%), followed by the retropupillary iris-claw IOL (n = 32, 20.5%). Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was significantly better following IOL exchange in the entire sample (1.57 ± 0.61 (range: 2.40-0.05) vs. 0.77 ± 0.56 (range: 2.40-0.00); p < 0.001). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was maintained or improved in 80.7% of cases after IOL explantation.

Conclusions

The most common indication for IOL explantation at a tertiary eyecare center in Hungary is IOL dislocation, followed by pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. Prepupillary and retropupillary iris-claw IOL are the most frequently used secondary implants and their use resulted in a significant UCVA improvement following IOL exchange.

Visual Acuity Outcomes and Complications after Intraocular Lens Exchange: An IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) Analysis

PURPOSE

To assess risk factors for worse visual acuity (VA) outcomes after intraocular lens (IOL) exchange, and the most common postsurgical complications.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Eyes from patients 18 years of age and older in the IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) that underwent IOL exchange in the United States between 2013 and 2019.

METHODS

Vision improvement compared with baseline was determined at 1 year after surgery. A multivariable generalized estimating equation model adjusting for demographic factors and baseline vision was used to identify factors associated with VA worse than 20/40 at 1 year.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual outcomes and postoperative complications after lens exchange.

RESULTS

A total of 46 063 procedures (n = 41 925 unique patients) were included in the analysis. Overall, VA improved from a mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 0.53 ± 0.58 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR; Snellen equivalent, 20/70) before surgery to a mean ± SD of 0.31 ± 0.40 logMAR (Snellen equivalent, 20/40) at 1 year. Among eyes with VA recorded at both baseline and 1 year after surgery, 60.5% achieved VA of 20/40 or better at 1 year. Vision of worse than 20/40 at 1 year was associated with greater age (odds ratio [OR], 1.16 per 5-year increase; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-1.18) and higher logMAR baseline VA (OR, 1.14 per 0.1-logMAR increase; 95% CI, 1.14-1.15), as well as Black or African American (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.68-2.28), Hispanic (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.59-2.08), and Asian (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.21-1.81) race or ethnicity versus White race, Medicaid (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.40-2.25) versus private insurance, smoking history (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.11-1.35), and concurrent anterior (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.51-1.81) and posterior (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.41-1.66) vitrectomy versus no vitrectomy. Female sex was associated with better VA at 1 year. At 1 year, epiretinal membrane (10.9%), mechanical lens complication (9.4%), and dislocation of the replacement lens (7.1%) were the most common complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large national cohort, the annual number of IOL exchanges rose steadily over time. Vision improved in 60.2% of patients; worse visual outcomes were associated with greater age, worse baseline vision, Black race, Hispanic ethnicity, Medicaid insurance, smoking, and concurrent vitrectomy. Epiretinal membrane was the most common complication.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Causes of intraocular pseudophakic lens explantation in Spain

PURPOSE

To report the causes of pseudophakic intraocular lens (IOL) explantation in Spain over a 20 year period.

METHODS

Multicenter observational prospective study of a consecutive series of cases corresponding to pseudophakic intraocular lenses explantations performed in 22 Spanish clinical centres from 2002 to 2021, within a national clinical research network. The clinical data of all IOL explantation patients was evaluated, and the different causes for IOL explantation were systematically analyzed.

RESULTS

From a total of 1013 pseudophakic explantations, 919 cases were included in this investigation. The mean age of the patients at the time of explantation was 66.3 years, and 142 (15.45%) were women. Over the 20 years of the study, the five main reasons for explanting lenses in the last 20 years in Spain according to the Iberia RETICS database were: dislocation / decentration / misalignment (43.08%), bullous keratopathy (16.79%), neuroadaptation failure (13.85%), IOL opacification (9.71%), refractive surprise (6.87%). Other causes, less frequent, were uveitis / endophthalmitis / infection with 39 cases (4.25%); IOL substitution for reasons other than multifocal IOL neuroadaptation failure 3 cases (0.33%); and other causes, 47 cases (5.13%). Hydrophobic lenses were the most frequently explanted with a ratio of 47.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the 20 years of the study, the five main reasons for explanting lenses in the last 20 years in Spain according to the Iberia RETICS database were: dislocation / decentration / misalignment, bullous keratopathy, neuroadaptation failure, IOL opacification, and refractive surprise.

[Transscleral fixation of intraocular lens in the treatment of lens subluxation in children]

Congenital subluxation of the lens as a complication of Marfan syndrome, Weill-Marchesani syndrome, microspherophakia, etc. leads to the development of amblyopia and requires timely surgical treatment with removal of the subluxated lens and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). IOL implantation in children with pathology of the ligamentous apparatus of the lens remains an urgent problem of ophthalmic surgery due to the lack of a consensus regarding the IOL fixation method among practitioners.

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of IOL implantation with transscleral fixation using the knotless Z-suture technique in pediatric patients with congenital lens subluxation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 24 children (36 eyes) with grade III congenital subluxation of the lens who underwent phacoaspiration of the subluxated lens with IOL implantation with transscleral fixation using the knotless Z-suture performed in the Kazakh Research Institute of Eye Diseases in Almaty in the period from 2017 to 2021. The average observation period was 31.7±11.3 months (2.0 to 4.5 years). The stability of the IOL position, the state of the intrascleral sutures, visual acuity after surgery, the presence and severity of complications in the long-term period were evaluated.

RESULTS

All patients (100%) had a significant improvement in visual acuity after surgery. No intraoperative complications were registered in any of the cases. Postoperative complications were noted in 8.3% of cases (n=3). The final functional outcome of surgical treatment depended on the presence of concomitant pathology, the main cause of low vision was the development of refractive amblyopia due to refractive errors.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented technique of transscleral fixation of IOL has proven to be reliable, which is especially important for pediatric patients considering their high physical activity and expected lifespan.

Long-Term Outcome and Complications of IOL-Exchange

Purpose

To describe the long-term outcome after intraocular lens (IOL) exchange for IOL-opacification with a focus on any occurring complications.

Patients and Methods

Patients with an IOL exchange for opacified IOLs (Lentis LS-502-1) were identified. Medical records and information from the treating ophthalmologists were reviewed. Visual outcomes and any occurring complications after the IOL exchange were analyzed.

Results

IOL exchange was performed in 48 eyes of 46 patients and significantly improved best-corrected distance visual acuity from 0.42 ± 0.32 logMar (mean ± SD) in opacified lenses to 0.25 ± 0.28 logMar after IOL exchange. Nine of the 48 eyes (19%) underwent 11 further surgical procedures for complications due to four indications: IOL dislocation (n = 2, 4%), retinal detachment (RD) (n = 6, 12%), epiretinal membrane (n = 2, 4%), and pupillary block (n = 1, 2%). Three eyes (6%) developed a temporarily elevated intraocular pressure. Temporary postoperative cystoid macular edema was found in 2 eyes (4%).

Conclusion

IOL exchange can restore vision owing to IOL opacification in most cases. Nonetheless, IOL exchange is not an easy or risk-free procedure. This may lead to sight-threatening complications, even in eyes without predisposing ocular comorbidities.

Indications, Complications, and Early Postoperative Course of Recovery of Intraocular Lens Exchange Surgery: a Single-Center Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

To analyze the indications, complications, and early course of recovery of intraocular lens (IOL) exchange surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Records of patients who underwent IOL exchange during a 6-year period at a tertiary referral center were reviewed and the indications and complications after surgical intervention were analyzed. Their effects on postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), use of IOP-lowering medications, and refractive cylindrical power were assessed.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-one eyes (165 patients) were investigated. The most frequent indication for IOL exchange was lens dislocation in 163 eyes (95.32%). The main causes of IOL dislocation were pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) in 98 eyes (57.31%) and complications during cataract surgery in 40 eyes (23.39%). During IOL exchange, an anterior iris-claw fixation was performed in 159 eyes (92.98%). After significant initial deterioration to 1.59 ± 1.08 logMAR on postoperative day 1 (p ≤ 0.001), the CDVA recovered to preoperative levels within 28 days. A significant decrease in IOP was observed on postoperative day 1 (p = 0.04). The most common postoperative complications were corneal edema in 114 eyes (66.67%) and vitreous hemorrhage in 67 eyes (39.18%).

CONCLUSION

The high early postoperative prevalence of corneal edema and intraocular hemorrhage was found to affect visual recovery after IOL exchange, causing a significant initial deterioration of CDVA and a delay of full visual recovery. These findings suggest that surgical approaches minimizing the risk of this type of complications should be favored.

Indications and outcomes of intraocular Lens Exchange among pseudophakic eyes in a Tertiary Referral Center

PURPOSE

To determine the indications and surgical outcomes of intraocular lens (IOL) exchange in pseudophakic patients at Labbafinejad Tertiary Referral Center between 2014 and 2019.

METHODS

In this retrospective interventional case series, the medical records of 193 patients with a history of IOL exchange were reviewed. Preoperative data, including clinical characteristics, indications of the first and second IOL implantation, intra- and postoperative complications due to IOL exchange, and the pre-and postoperative refractive error and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were considered the outcome measures in this study. All postoperative data were analyzed at least six months after follow-up.

RESULTS

The mean age of our participants was 59.13 ± 20.97 years old at the time of the IOL exchange, with a male percentage of 63.2%. The mean follow-up after the IOL exchange was 15.72 ± 16.28 months. The main indications of IOL exchange were IOL decentration (50.3%), corneal decompensation (30.6%), and residual refractive errors (8.3%). 57.10% of patients with the postoperative spherical equivalent at -2.00 diopter (D) to + 2.00D. The mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.82 ± 0.76 LogMAR before the IOL exchange and was improved to 0.73 ± 0.79 LogMAR after the surgery. Corneal decompensation (6.2%), glaucoma (4.7%), retinal detachment (4.1%), cystoid macular edema (2.1%), and uveitis (1%) were found as the postoperative complications. There was only one case with suprachoroidal hemorrhage during IOL exchange.

CONCLUSIONS

IOL decentration followed by corneal decompensation was the most common indication of IOL exchange. After IOL exchange, the most complications during follow-up were corneal decompensation, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and cystoid macular edema.

Clinical outcome and endothelial loss following prepupillary and retropupillary implantation of iris claw intraocular lenses

PURPOSE

Iris claw intraocular lenses (IOLs) were successfully used for the management of aphakia in patients that lack capsular support. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcome of prepupillary and retropupillary implantation of these IOLs.

METHODS

The files of the 26 patients that had an iris claw IOL implantation between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Detailed ophthalmological examination findings including corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), intraocular pressure, endothelial cell counts, slit lamp and dilated fundus examination findings were specifically tabulated. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also specifically recorded.

RESULTS

There were 18 patients in the prepupillary implantation group and eight patients in the retropupillary implantation group. Age and gender distribution were similar between the groups. CDVA significantly increased in prepupillary and retropupillary implantation groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively). Median endothelial cell loss was 6.7% in prepupillary group and 7.2% in retropupillary group. The only intraoperative complication was iridodialysis (n = 1). Postoperative complications included retinal detachment (n = 1), cystoid macular edema (n = 2) and IOL tilt (n = 1). All of these complications occurred in the prepupillary implantation group.

CONCLUSION

Prepupillary and retropupillary implantation of iris claw IOLs resulted with similar visual gain and endothelial loss rates in a follow-up time of 6 months. There was an insignificant trend toward a reduced complication rate following retropupillary implantation.

[Evolution of IOL exchange. Part 2. Modern problems of IOL exchange]

The review discusses modern problems of intraocular lens (IOL) exchange. Making an adequate choice between IOL reposition and IOL exchange in pseudophakic patients with problems of lens fixation remains a largely unsolved issue. The literature data shows a noticeable increase in the number of supporters of retropupillary fixation of an iris-claw lens during the exchange procedure.