Scanning Electron Microscopic and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopic Findings of a Removed Iris-Claw Lens.

Abstract

A case of a patient whose phakic iris-claw lens fell into the anterior chamber after 15 years of implantation are reported. The surface of the lens was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy and with energy dispersive spectroscopy. Granular aggregates on the anterior surface and denser aggregates branching into wide areas on the posterior surface of the optic, irregularities on interface surfaces of the haptics due to possible manufacturing defects, and impressions due to devices used for implantation were detected, as were calcium (Ca) deposits in the aggregates. Considering the facilitated damage and atrophy of the iris by the irregularities of the interface surface of the haptics and also the dense Ca deposits on the surfaces which affect biocompatibility, it would be better to exchange the old lens, which has fallen into the anterior chamber, for a new generation one instead of reimplanting the older lens that has been in position for many years.