To evaluate the outcomes of posterior chamber lens (PCL) exchange in patients with opacified foldable PCLs.

This study consisted of 31 patients (35 eyes) who had received phacoemulsification and implantation of foldable intraocular lenses in the bag or sulcus and developed late opacification of the PCL. All patients reported a reduction of visual acuity and deterioration in vision. The PCLs were explanted and replaced with new PMMA lenses. The perioperative complications and the best corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) before and after surgery were evaluated.

The mean visual acuities (logMAR value) before and after IOL exchange were 0.59±0.80 and 0.21±0.27, respectively. The difference was statistically significant ( p =0.005, paired t -test). Intraoperative complications included posterior capsule rupture in six patients, zonular dehiscence in three patients, and both in one patient. Postoperative complications included intraocular pressure elevation in five patients and cystoid macular edema in two patients. One patient showed hypopyon at 6 days postoperatively, which lasted for 3 months, but she showed good visual acuity.

Intraocular lens exchange was a safe and effective treatment for patients whose PCLs were opacified.