Decentration of 5.1 mm intraocular lenses after continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and in-the-bag fixation.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of decentration in eyes with 5.1 mm optic intraocular lenses (IOLs) and to assess the effect on vision.

SETTING

Clinical Cataract Research Unit, Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford, England.

METHODS

Patients having phacoemulsification and small IOL implantation over 12 months were identified and invited for assessment. Intraocular lens decentration was measured geometrically using a modified, digital, retroillumination camera. The expected incidence of symptoms caused by decentration was estimated by determining the presence of an IOL edge within an artificial pupil overlaid on the digital image.

RESULTS

In 13 eyes (20%), IOL decentration was more than 0.5 mm. Symptoms were expected in 38 patients (59%) but occurred in only 14 (22%).

CONCLUSION

Decentration of the 5.1 mm optic IOL caused fewer clinical problems than anticipated, although the results raise concerns that such IOLs may be inappropriate in patients who need excellent vision in scotopic illumination.