[Complications of foldable intraocular lenses requiring explantation. Results of the 2000 and 2001 survey in Germany].

PURPOSE

A survey was sent to all members of the German Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons to evaluate complications that required explantation of foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs).

METHODS

Data on preoperative visual acuity, foldable IOL design and material, and the reason for explantation were obtained and analysed. We received 185 surveys for 2000 and 2001.

RESULTS

In 2000 and 2001, the most common reasons for IOL explantation were: incorrect lens power (31%) and dislocation (19%) in three-piece acrylic IOLs, incorrect power (31%) and decentration (17%) in monofocal silicone IOLs, and opacification (46%) in hydrophilic IOLs. The most common reasons for the exchange of monofocal IOLs were lens opacification in 2000 and incorrect IOL power in 2001.

CONCLUSION

Besides the most frequent complications of decentration and incorrect power observed in rigid IOLs,new complications associated with foldable IOLs occurred (e.g., optic opacification and calcification). Accurate calculation of IOL power and further improvements in material and design are still necessary to minimize the rate of explantations.