Dislocated Intraocular Lens/Retained Lens Fragments

A dislocated intraocular lens or retained lens fragments can affect your vision, affecting your ability to drive, read, and do other tasks. At Prestige Retina in Allen, Texas, medical and surgical retina specialist Jason Chien, MD, provides high-quality care for dislocated intraocular lenses and retained lens fragments. Call Prestige Retina to schedule a new patient appointment, or book your visit online today. 

Are dislocated intraocular lenses and retained lens fragments the same?

Dislocated intraocular lenses and retained lens fragments present similar symptoms but aren’t the same.

Dislocated intraocular lens

An intraocular lens (IOL) replaces your eye’s natural lens during cataract surgery. Even though IOLs have a proven track record, they sometimes change positions after placement. When this happens, it’s called a dislocation and can affect your vision.

Retained lens fragments

Retained lens fragments occur when an entire cataract isn’t removable during surgery. If this happens, cataract fragments can fall to the back of your eye and be impossible to remove. Sometimes, these fragments trigger high eye pressure and inflammation, increasing the risk of vision loss.

What are the symptoms of dislocated intraocular lenses and retained lens fragments?

Dislocated intraocular lenses and retained lens fragments present similar symptoms, including:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Seeing the edge of the lens implant
• Eye pain
• Redness
• Sensitivity to light

Many people also experience an increase in floaters, flashers, and black spots in their line of vision.

How are dislocated intraocular lenses and retained lens fragments diagnosed?

Your Prestige Retina provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a comprehensive eye exam. 

If your provider suspects a dislocated intraocular lens, they order an eye ultrasound. This procedure uses high-frequency sound waves to take detailed photos of your eye, including the retina, macula, and lenses.

If your provider suspects you have retained lens fragments, they dilate (widen) your pupils with special eye drops, and use an advanced magnifying tool to check the back of your eye for cataract pieces. 

How are dislocated intraocular lenses and retained lens fragments treated?

Prestige Retina treats dislocated intraocular lenses and retained lens fragments using a conservative, patient-centered approach. 

Dislocated intraocular lens treatment

If the lens dislocation is minor and doesn’t affect your vision, your provider recommends a wait-and-watch approach. Routine checkups let them monitor the condition and ensure the dislocation doesn’t worsen.

If the lens dislocation is severe and distorts your vision, your provider recommends surgery. Depending on your needs, they might recommend an IOL rescue procedure, which repositions the lens. Or you may have an IOL exchange, replacing the displaced IOL with a new one.

Retained lens fragments treatment

Minor complications from retained lens fragments often improve with prescription eye drops. These eye drops reduce inflammation and prevent pressure from building up.

If your symptoms are severe, your provider recommends surgery, like a pars plana vitrectomy. Your provider removes the lens material and the eye’s vitreous gel during this procedure. Afterward, they fill the space with a sterile gas or saline gel, reducing pressure and inflammation.

Call Prestige Retina to schedule a dislocated intraocular lens or retained lens fragment consultation, or book your appointment online today.