INTRAOCULAR-LENS COMPLICATIONS REQUIRING REMOVAL OR EXCHANGE

Intraocular lens (IOL)-related complications are caused primarily by m echanical trauma, inflammatory or infections complications, or optical problems. Complications may occur at the time of surgery or be the re sult of an ongoing postoperative process. Mechanical and inflammatory injury may produce corneal decompensation, cystoid macular edema, hyph ema, uveitis, and glaucoma, causing reduced vision and in some cases c hronic pain. Optical problems may be due to a wrong power of the IOL o r to postoperative decentration or dislocation of the lens. Ophthalmol ogists should be aware of the indications for IOL removal or exchange in those patients who have ongoing IOL-induced injury or impairment. R emoval or exchange of an IOL frequently involves a complex decision-ma king process and is often associated with immense technical challenge. Various medical and surgical treatments may be tried to correct IOL p roblems before the decision is made to remove or exchange the lens. (C ) 1998 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.).