Intraocular Lens Opacification Following Silicone Oil Endotamponade

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To report cases with intraocular lens (IOL) opacification following silicone oil (SO) endotamponade. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical charts of 32 eyes with IOL opacification were evaluated retrospectively. All eyes had rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and had a history of previous hydrophilic acrylic IOL implantation. All patients underwent vitrectomy with SO endotamponade. Clinical features of all cases and the results of histochemical evaluation of explanted IOLs were reported. RESULTS: The mean duration of SO endotamponade was 4.6 +/- 2.0 months. The mean follow-up was 67.0 +/- 23.5 months. The interval between phacoemulsification surgery and IOL opacification was 27.4 +/- 18.3 months. With the exception of two eyes, all IOL opacification was detected during the follow-up period after SO removal. IOL exchange was performed in 12 eyes (37.5%). Histochemical analysis revealed significant calcification mostly on the surface of explanted IOL optics. CONCLUSION: Vitreoretinal surgeons should be aware of that some hydrophilic IOLs may have the potential of opacification following SO endotamponade.