Opacification of a silicone intraocular lens caused by calcium deposits on the optic

J Cataract Refract Surg. 2004 Feb;30(2):517-20. doi: 10.1016/S0886-3350(03)00672-2.

Abstract

We describe opacification of a plate-haptic silicone intraocular lens (IOL) caused by calcification in a diabetic patient with asteroid hyalosis. The IOL was explanted 48 months after uneventful phacoemulsification because opacification of the posterior surface was causing significant visual disturbance. Light and scanning electron microscopy and x-ray spectrometry of the explanted IOL showed the opacification consisted mainly of calcium and phosphate, presumably hydroxyapatite, in the form of precipitations on the posterior surface of the optic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biocompatible Materials / adverse effects
  • Calcinosis / etiology*
  • Calcinosis / pathology
  • Calcium / analysis
  • Device Removal
  • Durapatite / analysis
  • Electron Probe Microanalysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lenses, Intraocular / adverse effects*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Phosphates / analysis
  • Prosthesis Failure*
  • Silicone Elastomers / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Phosphates
  • Silicone Elastomers
  • Durapatite
  • Calcium