Our Summary

This research paper is about a man in his mid-60s who had an artificial lens (Carlevale Intraocular Lens) implanted in his eye because his original lens was not stable. However, the artificial lens became cloudy after he had two more surgeries for recurrent retinal detachment (a condition where the retina at the back of the eye separates from the layer underneath). The surgeries involved injecting gas or silicone oil into the eye. The cloudiness of the artificial lens is a rare complication associated with this type of lens. The paper suggests that multiple surgeries and the use of gas or silicone oil could contribute to the lens becoming cloudy.

FAQs

  1. What is a rare complication associated with the Carlevale IOL?
  2. Can multiple surgeries and gas/silicone oil tamponades contribute to intraocular lens opacification?
  3. What was the outcome for the patient in his mid-60s who underwent Carlevale IOL implantation and subsequent pars plana vitrectomies?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing vitrectomy to be aware of the potential risk of opacification of the intraocular lens, especially in cases where multiple surgeries and gas/silicone oil tamponades are involved. It is important for patients to follow post-operative care instructions carefully and to promptly report any changes in vision or discomfort to their doctor. Regular follow-up appointments with an ophthalmologist are also essential to monitor the health of the eye and address any potential complications early on.

Suitable For

Vitrectomy is typically recommended for patients with various conditions affecting the vitreous gel or retina, including:

  1. Retinal detachment: Vitrectomy may be recommended for patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachments, tractional retinal detachments, or exudative retinal detachments.

  2. Diabetic retinopathy: Vitrectomy may be recommended for patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular edema.

  3. Macular holes: Vitrectomy may be recommended for patients with full-thickness macular holes.

  4. Epiretinal membranes: Vitrectomy may be recommended for patients with epiretinal membranes causing visual distortion or decreased visual acuity.

  5. Vitreous hemorrhage: Vitrectomy may be recommended for patients with significant vitreous hemorrhage obscuring vision.

  6. Vitreomacular traction: Vitrectomy may be recommended for patients with vitreomacular traction syndrome causing macular distortion or decreased visual acuity.

  7. Intraocular foreign bodies: Vitrectomy may be recommended for patients with intraocular foreign bodies causing inflammation or retinal damage.

Overall, vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that can help improve visual outcomes in patients with various vitreoretinal conditions.

Timeline

Before vitrectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a retinal detachment and is recommended to undergo vitrectomy surgery.
  2. Pre-operative consultations and tests are conducted to assess the patient’s suitability for surgery.
  3. Patient may undergo imaging tests such as ultrasound or optical coherence tomography to assess the extent of the retinal detachment.
  4. Surgery is scheduled and the patient is informed about the procedure, potential risks, and post-operative care instructions.

After vitrectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes vitrectomy surgery to repair the retinal detachment.
  2. Post-operative care includes monitoring for any complications such as infection, inflammation, or elevated eye pressure.
  3. Patient may experience discomfort, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light in the days following surgery.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess the healing process and visual acuity.
  5. In rare cases, complications such as opacification of the intraocular lens may occur, requiring further intervention or replacement of the lens.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a vitrectomy and why is it necessary in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vitrectomy surgery?
  3. How many vitrectomy surgeries will I need and what is the expected recovery time?
  4. Will the vitrectomy surgery affect my vision or the function of my eye in any way?
  5. Are there any specific precautions or post-operative care instructions I need to follow after the vitrectomy surgery?
  6. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments following the vitrectomy surgery?
  7. What are the chances of developing complications such as opacification of the intraocular lens, as seen in the reported case?
  8. How will the vitrectomy surgery affect my overall eye health and vision in the long term?
  9. Are there any alternatives to vitrectomy surgery that I should consider?
  10. Are there any specific questions or concerns I should discuss with my ophthalmologist before undergoing vitrectomy surgery?

Reference

Authors: Sharma P, Muskalska A, Gallo B, Chandra A. Journal: BMJ Case Rep. 2025 Mar 19;18(3):e263667. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2024-263667. PMID: 40107761