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.