Outcomes of Secondary Intracapsular Intraocular Lens Implantation in Patients following Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

This study reports the outcomes of a secondary IOL implantation technique in patients that suffered from rhegmatogenous retinal detachment combined with a cataract, which included reopening the capsular bag, enabling secondary intracapsular intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. We included consecutive cases with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treated with vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade, and subsequent secondary IOL implantation during silicone oil removal between September 2019 and June 2022. Demographics, pre- and postoperative clinical data, and complications were collected. Visual and refractive outcomes and IOL position were evaluated. Thirty eyes were included and followed up for a mean of 24.2 +/- 5.06 months. Compared with the preoperative values, no significant changes were observed in the intraocular pressure (p = 0.170) and endothelial cell density (p = 0.336); however, the best-corrected visual acuity (Snellen: 20/83 vs. 20/38; logMAR: 0.66 +/- 0.23 vs. 0.37 +/- 0.32; p < 0.001) and spherical equivalent (p < 0.001) improved significantly. The mean prediction error (ME) was -0.45 +/- 0.68 D (-1.9-0.54 D), and the mean absolute prediction error (MAE) was 0.62 +/- 0.52 D (0.01-1.9 D). The macula-on subgroup demonstrated significantly better refractive outcomes than the macula-off subgroup (ME, p = 0.046; MAE, p = 0.008). The IOL was well positioned, with a mean horizontal and vertical tilt and decentration of 0.53 +/- 0.49 degrees and 0.21 +/- 0.16 mm, and 0.54 +/- 0.45 degrees and 0.22 +/- 0.16 mm, respectively. Secondary intracapsular IOL implantation provided a good and stable IOL position and satisfactory refractive outcomes, and is a feasible treatment option for patients with RRD.