Secondary IOLs

Abstract

There are a multitude of reasons for removing or exchanging an intraocular lens (IOL) after it’s been implanted in the eye. These include cases of intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation or subluxation, incorrect lens power, patient dissatisfaction or intolerance, or complications secondary to the lens position, such as inflammation or glaucoma. Once the lens is removed, the patient can be left without a lens (aphakia), or more commonly a secondary IOL can be implanted. Surgical decisions are often based on the clinical presentation, the surgeon’s experience, the type of IOL to be used, and the coexisting ocular pathology. A variety of surgical approaches can be used to fixate IOLs outside of the capsular bag including open-loop anterior chamber IOL (ACIOL) insertion, iris-claw ACIOL insertion, and posterior chamber IOL (PCIOL) insertion using iris fixation or scleral fixation techniques.