An intraocular lens (IOL) is a lens placed into the eye usually during cataract surgery.  Often this lens is placed into a structure in the front of the eye called the capsular bag.  This bag supports the lens in a natural position within the eye.  Sometimes this capsular bag might be damaged during cataract surgery, from trauma, as a result of age, or a genetic predisposition.  If the capsular bag weakens, the IOL can shift and dislocate.  This can cause extremely blurred or even double vision.

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What are the treatment options for a dislocated IOL?

Not all dislocated IOLs require treatment.  If the dislocation is minor and the IOL is still covering the central visual axis, symptoms can be minimal to non-existent and observation might be the best option.  

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If the dislocation progresses or is more severe, surgery might be necessary.  No two dislocations are the same, and there are many different surgical approaches.  Having a surgeon who is well versed in the various methods for rescuing and repositioning the existing IOL or possibly removing the IOL and replacing it with a new one is essential.  At Washington Retina we are trained in the most up to date methods including scleral fixated IOLs with either gore-tex suture or Yamane technique, sulcus IOL placement, or anterior chamber IOL placement.  

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What can I expect after surgery?

Vision recovery will take longer than after the initial cataract surgery, but vision often improves significantly within a few weeks.  Your glasses prescription might also change, as the calculations for correct lens power are much less accurate than with uncomplicated cataract surgery.​

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