Intraocular Lens Complications: Decentration, Uveitis–Glaucoma–Hyphema Syndrome, Opacification, and Refractive Surprises

Abstract

As cataract surgery has evolved, intraocular lens (IOL) complications are rare. The purpose of this review was to report the incidence, diagnosis, and management of IOL decentrations, uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema (UGH) syndrome, IOL opacifications, and refractive surprises. Literature review was performed by searching PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trial Database and the reference lists of original studies as well as reviews. Intraocular lens decentrations and dislocations can appear at any time, particularly in patients with predisposing factors such as pseudoexfoliation, prior vitreoretinal surgery, or trauma. Recognizing when they require surgical intervention for UGH or to improve visual function is critical in limiting long-term sequela. Intraocular lens opacifications such as glistenings rarely require intervention, but others, such as subsurface nanoglistenings, calcifications, or discolorations, may require IOL exchange. Finally, despite our best efforts to enhance measurements and IOL calculations, refractive surprises still occur. Intraocular lens complications are uncommon with modern cataract surgery. A number of these complications require proper identification and care to optimize patient outcomes.