Symptoms of a Dislocated Lens After Cataract Surgery

While the vast majority of cataract operations proceed without a hitch, there are some potential issues. Excessive bleeding is the most common during or straight after treatment—but one issue that affects between 0.5%-3% of people is a dislocated lens. 

FAQs surrounding the Symptoms of a Dislocated Lens After Cataract Surgery

• Why does it happen?
• What does a dislocated lens feel like?
• How is a dislocated lens treated?

Why does it happen? 

A dislocated lens is exactly as it sounds—the intraocular lens (IOL) moves from its sited position. It can happen at any time, from days to years after a cataract procedure. There are multiple reasons that the lens can dislocate, including:

• Eye disease: The most common is inflammation within the eye—a condition called uveitis.
• Trauma to the eye: A physical injury to the eye or surrounding area could cause the lens to move.
• High myopia: Significant levels of near-sightedness.
• Certain underlying medical conditions: Such as connective tissue disorders.
• Having had prior surgery: Any previous retinal or eye surgery could make you more predisposed to a dislocated lens.
• Issues with the capsular bag: The IOL is fixed in place to the remains of the natural lens capsule. A condition, known as pseudoexfoliation syndrome, can cause this to become unstable and allow the lens to move.

What does a dislocated lens feel like?

Most dislocated lenses cause issues with your eyesight, rather than pain. Most people experience blurred vision, double vision, or are even able to see the edge of the IOL as it intrudes across the eye.

However, other, rarer, symptoms can occur in conjunction with the dislocated lens. These include:

• Bleeding.
• Retinal detachment—noticed by seeing a dark shadow (like a curtain) falling across the eye from the top or from the upper corner. It’s usually accompanied by flashes of light and perhaps the appearance of new floaters.
• Pain from intraocular inflammation. 
• Other eye irritation, such as watering, redness, grittiness, or feeling like there’s something in the eye.

How is a dislocated lens treated?

Your cataract surgeon has a few options for treating a dislocated lens. They’ll first perform a detailed eye examination to determine how far the lens has moved. This may or may not include an ultrasound, depending on how good a view of the interior eye anatomy they can get.

If there’s only slight movement and it’s not particularly affecting your vision, then there might be no need for any treatment at all. In such cases, your ophthalmologist will monitor the IOL during your regular eye exams.

In the case of significant eyesight deterioration, there are two surgical options available for treatment. These are:

• IOL Repositioning: Where the lens within the eye is re-sited back to the correct position.
• IOL Exchange: Removing the existing IOL and replacing it with a new one.

The right procedure will be dependent on the particular anatomy of your eye and the extent of the lens dislocation. If it’s fallen into the vitreous cavity, it’ll be necessary for the surgeon to also perform a vitrectomy before moving or exchanging the lens. This is the removal of the jelly-like fluid within the eye. Afterward, a gas or clear fluid replaces the natural substance during the recovery period. Your body will naturally produce more vitreous that will gradually take its place.

Get the Ultimate Cataract Treatment and Post-Op Treatment at the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a dislocated lens, you’re concerned about post-surgery vision, or you need to partner with the best cataract surgeon for a smooth procedure, you need the expertise on offer at the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic.

Headed by one of the world’s premier cataract experts, Brent Bellotte MD., this is the cataract-specific arm of the globally renowned West Boca Eye Center.

Discover more at https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com