Symptoms of Dislocated Lens After Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a low risk procedure. However, as with any clinical intervention, it can never be a “no risk” one.

Cataract surgery is a low risk procedure. However, as with any clinical intervention, it can never be a “no risk” one. You might have heard of a very rare condition after a cataract operation, known as a dislocated lens.

The chances of this happening has a risk factor of anything between 0.2% - 3%. It can happen any time after surgery—either very soon afterward or years down the line.

The following looks at why lens dislocation happens, the symptoms, and what can be done to fix the problem.

Dislocated Lens After Cataract Surgery: everything you need to know

  • Why a lens might dislocate after cataract surgery
  • Symptoms of dislocated lens after cataract surgery
  • What can be done about a dislocated lens

Why a lens might dislocate after cataract surgery

While lens dislocation is rare, there are some reasons that might mean you’re more predisposed to it happening. It occurs when the lens capsule in which the IOL is placed becomes ruptured, allowing the artificial lens to move. This is more commonly seen in patients who suffer:

  • Trauma to the eye
  • Have had previous eye surgery
  • Have a connective tissue disorder
  • Suffer from uveitis

There is also a rare condition known as “pseudoexfoliation syndrome”. This causes the lens capsule to become unstable, allowing the IOL to move.

Symptoms of dislocated lens after cataract surgery

There are three main symptoms of a dislocated lens. If it does occur, you might notice some or all of the following:

  • Being able to see the edge of the lens
  • Double vision
  • Blurring

The level of symptoms will depend on how severely the IOL moves. In the worst cases, it can cause bleeding, retinal detachment, or other eye conditions, including glaucoma and edema within the eye. 

What can be done about a dislocated lens

As previously mentioned, a dislocated lens can occur soon after surgery or years afterward. Treatment will be dependent on how severe the movement of the IOL is. In some cases—and if it’s not causing any vision issues—no treatment will be needed.

However, if it does cause sight problems, a surgical ophthalmologist has two ways to treat it.

The first is lens relocation. In this instance, the jelly-like substance within the eye is removed, allowing the surgeon to move the lens back into the correct position and secure it in place.

The second option is to fit a new IOL.

Which course of action will be determined by how far the lens has dislocated, the anatomy of your eye, the reason for the dislocation, and more. Your ophthalmologist will use various diagnostic tools to determine all of these before recommending a course of action.

Once again, we must reiterate that a lens dislocation is rare—although not unheard of. You should also be reassured by knowing that the prognosis is very positive, with most people being treated definitively and achieving the outcome they hope for—a return to great eyesight.

Worried about a Dislocated Lens? Contact The Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic Today

When it comes to cataract complications, there’s no better place to get them definitively sorted out than at the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic. Part of the West Boca Eye Center, this one-stop ophthalmology facility is headed by the world-famous cataract surgeon, Brent Bellotte. 

Not only has he played a pivotal role in the advancement of cataract surgical procedures, but he’s one of the very best when it comes to cataract complications.

Don’t worry a moment more. Head to https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com/ and call our expert team today to book a consultation.

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