Spontaneous dislocation of Intraocular lens and capsule as a late complication of cataract surgery in pseudoexfoliation patients -: Five cases

Purpose: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is associated with zonular weakness and a higher frequency of intraoperative complications during cataract surgery, including rupture of the posterior lens capsule, zonular dialysis and a rise of intraocular pressure occurring postoperatively. Delayed dislocation of an IOL is a rarely reported phenomenon. Patients: Within one year, late dislocation of the lens capsule with the in the bag fixated IOL was observed following cataract surgery in five patients (67, 74, 79, 90 and 92 years old) with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Results: All patients had an uneventful in the bag implantation of the IOL 6 (three patients), 3 and I I years ago, respectively. Postoperatively occurring secondary cataract was treated by a YAG-capsulotomy in four cases. No patient had any other predisposing factors that would lead to zonular weakness besides the pseudoexfoliation syndrome. The dislocation of the IOL and capsule occurred spontaneously. In one patient with preexisting glaucoma, the dislocation was followed by an increase of intraocular pressure. All cases were successfully treated with IOL explantation, anterior vitrectomy and placement of an anterior chamber IOL. Conclusion: Patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome undergoing cataract surgery may be at risk not only for intraoperative complications but also for delayed spontaneous dislocation of the IOL and capsule. This possible complication should be considered in surgical planning for patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome. In these patients it may be better to implant the IOL in the ciliary sulcus.