Late Spontaneous Haptic Disinsertion From a Three-Piece Intraocular Lens

Purpose

To report two cases of spontaneous, late-onset haptic disinsertion from a three-piece posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL).

Design

Interventional case reports.

Methods

Two eyes of two patients had uncomplicated phacoemulsification and presented 16 and 20 years after surgery with spontaneous, nontraumatic haptic disinsertion from a three-piece IOL.

Results

In one case, the disinserted haptic dislocated into the anterior chamber while the IOL optic-single haptic complex remained centered and supported within the capsular bag. Cystoid macular edema was present, but resolved after removal of the disinserted haptic. In the second case, the disinserted haptic remained within the capsular bag while the IOL optic dislocated into the anterior chamber. Removal of the IOL and exchange with a sulcus-fixated single piece IOL was required.

Conclusions

Nontraumatic haptic disinsertion from a three-piece IOL is a rare long-term complication after phacoemulsification.