Thirty-one cases with intraocular lens extraction

Objective To discuss the causes,methods and prognosis of intraocular lens(IOL)extraction in order to provide evidence in selecting surgery indication of IOL implantation and help in preventing complication.Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical data of 31 cases with IOL extraction from January 1997 to December 2005 was conducted.Results Of 31 cases,two were anterior chamber IOL and 29 posterior chamber IOL.Reasons of IOL extraction included dislocation or semi-dislocation in 22 eyes,bullous keratopathy in 3 eyes,IOL loop rupture or partly dislocation in 2 eyes,incorrect lens power in 2 eyes,chronic uveitis in 1 eye and retinal detachment in 1 eye.We performed simple IOL removal in 12 patients and replacement of IOL in 19 ones.Other combined procedures included 3 port-vitrectomy,vitreoretinal surgery,anterior vitrectomy and extraction of pupillary membrane or after cataract by excision.The visual acuity of most eyes after operation was improved or remained stable.The surgical complications included retinal detachment in one case,anterior chamber hyphema in one case and vitreous hyphema in one case.Conclusion The complications after IOL implantation,especially the deviation from center and dislocation of IOL are the direct reasons for IOL extraction.Meticulous surgical skill,reduced complications and accurate IOL measurements are the most fundamental factors in avoiding IOL extraction.