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         25. Kongress der DGII  2011
        Abstracts DGII 2011 
       VX.
Wissenschaftliche
Sitzung:
      MICS und Explantologie 
       82 R 
         
        Liliana Werner (Salt Lake City/USA) 
         
        What Can We Learn from Explanted IOLs? 
         
        Purpose: The aim of this ongoing study is to analyze and report cases of intraocular lens (IOL) complications, focusing on        causes of opacification and discoloration of IOLs manufactured from different biomaterials and in different designs, based on        the analyses of explanted lenses. 
        Methods: The explanted lenses were sent to the John A. Moran Eye Center, or to the Berlin Eye Research Institute in the dry        state, or immersed in solutions such as balanced salt solutions and fixatives. They underwent gross and light microscopic        evaluations, at a minimum. Some specimens also underwent special histochemical staining (e.g., alizarin red, von Kossa),        and/or were forwarded to other centers for more specialized analyses, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy        dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), among others.        Results: Our analyses revealed that different pathologic processes may lead to clinically significant opacification or discoloration        of the optic component of IOLs manufactured from different biomaterials and in different designs. Factors such as        patient's associated conditions, IOL manufacture, IOL storage, surgical techniques and adjuvants, among others, may be involved        in different combinations. The complication may already be observed intraoperatively, or only postoperatively, from few        hours after lens implantation to many years after surgery, depending on the processes involved. The types of processes identified        included: formation of deposits/precipitates on the IOL surface or within the IOL substance, IOL opacification by excess        influx of water in hydrophobic materials, direct discoloration of the IOL by capsular dyes or medications, IOL coating by substances        such as ophthalmic ointment and silicone oil, and slowly progressive degradation of the lens biomaterial.        Conclusions: Different factors may be involved in a process of IOL opacification or discoloration. The process may involve IOLs        manufactured from different biomaterials, and be observed intraoperatively, early postoperatively, or late postoperatively.        With the increasing numbers of new IOLs in the market every year, constant vigilance is necessary. 
       Erschienen in:        german medical science  |