Abstract

Aim: To study forward light-scattering characteristics of calcified explanted intraocular lenses (IOLs) (Aquasense, Ophthalmic Innovation International Ontario).

Methods: The amount of light scattered by the opacified IOLs was measured using a validated in vitro set-up for angles from 1.7° to 22°. This set-up gives results directly comparable with straylight values as valid for the in vivo situation.

Results: Straylight is highest at large angles and declines steeply approaching 0° angle. This corresponds to the in vivo findings that opacified IOLs cause important visual complaints but have little effect on visual acuity. At 7.5°, log (s) is around 1.8 and 2.9 for the two lenses respectively. This corresponds to 8× and 100× increases in straylight values compared with values in young, normal eyes.

Conclusion: High straylight values caused by opacified IOLs can explain subjective complaints of reduced quality of vision in patients with opacified implants, despite good visual acuity.