Is it dangerous to remove an IOL after 4 years?

[Riggadeaux]

I had cataract surgery and received Crystalens implants in November of 2008.  I've had a blur in my left eye ever since.  Finally learned (3rd doctor) that there is gel trapped behind the lens.  The blur seems to be getting worse recently and it interferes with my vision at work.  Can I have that lens removed after all this time?  What are the risks?  

[londonbridge]

I agree with Dr. McGarity. There are many posts in the archives of this forum about removing IOL after a period of time. I had a Restor lens removed after six months and replaced with a mono focal torric. I went to a renowned eye hospital in Boston and had an expert surgeon do the procedure. All went smoothly and  I am grateful for having my sight restored.

One note of caution is not to have any Yag laser procedure done prior to removing IOL as the capsule can be damaged and most surgeons do not want to have that added complication. Yag was suggested to me as one way of clearing up all of the vision issues I had with the Restor. Fortunately I did not do the procedure and was able to exchange my lens.

Good luck and know that you will find a resolution to your problem
londonbridge

[Lv1234]

This is more a question than a comment. I just had cataract surgery on my right eye a few days ago. When the doctor removed the bandage I saw black line on my right side vision like there is a piece of hair over part of my face when actually there is none. When my doctor looked closely, my doctor identified a 1mm fold in the center of the lens implanted. Referred me to another eye specialist for a second look and the other doctor confirmed my doctor's finding. My doctor said that when the doctor inserts  the lens they are folded and that before inserting the doctor looks at the lens under the microscope to look for irregularities, found nothing on mine, yet after implant there is a fold. What is the best thing to do? Any comment/recommendation? the lens used is Alcon SA60AT.
Thanks in advance.

[Timothy D McGarity, M.D.]

Yes, you can have the lens removed, but you need to see a ophthalmologist who is experienced in this procedure. It is somewhat riskier, but it can be done. Good luck!

[Timothy D McGarity, M.D.]

It is riskier to have an iol removed after that length of time, but it can be done. Ask the surgeon if he/she has experience with this type of surgery. Does the iol really need to be removed? If it's just gel trapped behind, then a yag laser can be done, but if something is trapped behind the iol that a laser won't relieve, then it can be removed and a new one placed. The risks of removing are the same as the first surgery, but more risk of poor visual outcome, retinal detachment and internal swelling which could all reduce your chances of having good vision. If the iol needs to be removed/exchanged, then i would recommend having it done. Good luck.