Pathologic evidence of pseudoexfoliation in cases of in-the-bag intraocular lens subluxation or dislocation.

PURPOSE

To provide complete histopathologic evaluation of explanted capsular bags that spontaneously dislocated in the late postoperative period, with the main objective being to assess the presence of pseudoexfoliation (PXF) material.

SETTING

Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany, and John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Standard gross and light microscopy and complete histopathology were performed on explanted subluxated and dislocated capsular bags containing an intraocular lens (IOL) or a capsular tension ring (CTR) and an IOL. Questionnaires were sent to explanting surgeons, and a patient chart review was performed, when available.

RESULTS

The specimens were represented by capsular bags containing an IOL (n = 37) or an IOL-CTR (n = 3). The IOLs included 3-piece hydrophobic acrylic (n = 13), 1-piece hydrophobic acrylic (n = 7), 3-piece silicone (n = 6), 1-piece hydrophilic acrylic (n = 6), 3-piece hydrophilic acrylic (n = 2), and 1-piece poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) (n = 6) designs; all CTRs were PMMA. Soemmering ring formation was mild in 8 specimens, moderate in 18 specimens, and severe in 14 specimens. Excessive contraction of the capsular bag with capsulorhexis phimosis was observed in 24 specimens. Twenty-six specimens had histopathologic evidence of PXF; 13 had a clinical history or evidence of PXF.

CONCLUSIONS

Pseudoexfoliation might be implicated in a larger proportion of late in-the-bag IOL subluxations and dislocations than previously thought as a result of significant clinical underdiagnosis. This might indicate a need for new considerations during the preoperative and postoperative cataract surgery assessments and follow-up.