IOL Information

Dr. Hagan:

Can you please explain if it's possible to develop glaucoma after an IOL is implanted due to
the IOL somehow preventing or interfering with the flow of aqueous, causing IOP to rise?

Also, are the two (rather thin looking) haptics on 3-piece IOLs ever known to "break off"
after they're implanted?  They seem structurally vulnerable to this happening.

Is it also true that an IOL can rotate?  Why does this happen and how does it effect one's
vision.

Thanks Dr. Hagan for the info on Eye Care America.  I'm pursuing it for my parent.

Sincerely,
Laura5121

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Laura:
1. Yes IOLs can cause glaucoma but it is rare now. I have actually done a lot of clinical research on this and have perhaps 10 research papers published on IOL caused glaucoma and other complications "UGH syndrome uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema".  It is very rare now as all IOLS produced in developed countries are made to high standards. Also the new posterior chamber IOLs do not cause obstructive glaucoma (pseudophakic angle closure)  this was a big problem with the anterior chamber IOLs of the late 70s and 80s.
2. The  haptics almost never break off.
3. Yes an IOL can rotate. Again that was big problem with anterior chamber IOLs in not much of a problem with monofocal IOLS it can be a problem with toric IOLs  If a monofocal IOL rotates it does not change the vision.

JCH MD