Pigment release and secondary glaucoma after implantation of single-piece acrylic intraocular lenses in the ciliary sulcus.

Abstract

To report the association of sulcus-fixated, single-piece hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (HAIOL) with pigment release and secondary glaucoma. Interventional case series. HAIOL was implanted in the ciliary sulcus of 20 eyes that developed posterior capsule rupture during phacoemulsification. We analyzed postoperative best-corrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, frequency of intraocular lens malpositioning, and postoperative complications. Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in all eyes. The mean postoperative sphere was -0.5 +/- 0.7 diopters (range +1.25 to -2.00); the mean postoperative cylinder was -1.2 +/- 0.8 diopters (range 0 to -2.50). None of the HAIOLs was decentered or dislocated, and none required repositioning. Seven eyes (35%) developed pigment release; three eyes (15%) developed secondary glaucoma. Implantation of single-piece HAIOLs in the ciliary sulcus is associated with pigment release and secondary glaucoma. Alternative methods of aphakic correction should be considered.