Posterior Surface Opacification of a Silicone Intraocular Lens in a Patient with Asteroid Hyalosis

PURPOSE: In the present study, a case of posterior surface opacification of a silicone intraocular lens (IOL) in a patient with asteroid hyalosis (AH) is reported. CASE SUMMARY: 76-year-old male was referred to our clinic with IOL opacification in his left eye. The patient had uneventful cataract surgery 7 years prior with the same silicone IOL implanted in both eyes. Three years after surgery, posterior capsular opacity was observed in his left eye and neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser capulotomy was performed. After posterior capsulotomy, opacification of the IOL's posterior surface was observed on slit lamp examination. IOL exchange was performed and the explanted IOL was analyzed using a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for elemental analysis of the deposits. The calcification was on the posterior surface of the IOL and composed mainly of calcium and phosphorus, the main components of AH. The right eye showed clear IOL with intact posterior lens capsule. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons performing cataract surgery should consider the possibility of surface calcification of silicone IOLs in eyes with AH before IOL selection for implantation.

Comparison of Anterior Capsule Opening after Silicone Intraocular Lens Implantation with and without Capsular Tension Ring

To evaluate the effect of capsular tension ring on prevention of capsular opening reduction induced by CCC in Phacoemulsification with silicone intraocular lens implantation, we prospectively studied 60 patients (60 eyes)who were operated from Sept, 1997 to Jun, 1998 at our hospital.All patients had standardized Phacoemulsification, continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis, and intraocular lens implantation performed by the same surgeon.Patients were randomized into two groups based on capsular tension ring insertion.We compared uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), spherical equivalent (SE), astigmatism and the data obtained by the Anterior Eye Segment Analysis System (EAS-1000), anterior chamber depth, IOL tilting, decenteration, and anterior capsule opening area at 1 week and 1, 3, 6 months after surgery.Two groups showed a similar pattern of change of UCVA, SE and astigmatism. There are no statistical significances in comparison of anterior chamber depth and IOL decenteration in two groups, but IOL tilting of group II is greater than that of group I at 6 months after surgery.The mean anterior capsular opening area at 1, 3, 6 months postoperatively was smaller than that of 1 week in two groups, but no statistical significances were observed in group II (1, 3, 6 months, P = or > .05).The mean percentage reduction of group I was significantly smaller than that of group II at 3 and 6 months (P<.05)after surgery.Capsular tension ring might prevent a contraction of capsular opening and might enhance the stability of IOL.