Curious Case of a Foldable Intraocular Lens that did not Unfold

Abstract

Phacoemulsification is a modern technique of cataract surgery that allows the removal of cataractous lens and implantation of a foldable Intraocular Lens (IOL) through a small sub 3 mm incision. For a good visual outcome, it is imperative that the IOL is well centered and its haptics unfold properly inside the capsular bag and keep it distended. However, at times the IOL haptics may not unfold properly leading to adverse visual symptoms. Herein, Authors present an unusual case of a 61-year-old elderly male with no other associated ocular or systemic illness, who presented nine months after cataract surgery in his left eye, with both haptics of the IOL unusually folded and the edge of one haptic encroaching into the pupillary area leading to visual symptoms. As multiple attempts to dial the haptics into the capsular bag were unsuccessful, likely due to strong capsular adhesions, the unfolded haptics were placed in the sulcus with attempted optic capture. The postoperative period was uneventful with BCVA of 20/20 at one year. The current case highlights the need to be vigilant about the proper positioning of the haptics at the end of routine cataract surgery and the need for early intervention in the event of any complication.