Effects of the long-term tamponade with Densiron® on the lens

Background: This study aims to analyse the long-term effect of Densiron((R)) on the crystalline lens. Materials and Methods: Eleven patients (53 - 77 years old) underwent macular surgery with pars plana vitrectomy and intraocular tamponade with Densiron((R)). After 2 - 4 months the Densiron((R)) was removed. The lens was extracted by phaco-emulsification and an intraocular lens was implanted. Visual acuity, slit-lamp examination and fundus ophthalmoscopy were performed pre- and postoperatively. During surgery the anterior chamber, the lens und the posterior capsule of the lens were photographed and analysed. Results: All patients (mean age: 68 7 years) developed a nuclear cataract combined with a posterior capsule opacification. Four patients demonstrated vacuoles within the lens cortex and in five patients a pseudohypopyon consisting of emulsified Densiron((R)) was found. Mean visual acuity was 0.1 before removal of DensironO and 0.1 postoperatively. Conclusions: Long-term tamponade with Densiron((R)) was complicated by early cataract formation in patients aged 68 years on average. The additional posterior capsule opacification showed a distinct pattern and localisation when compared to the use of 5000 mPas-silicone oil as tamponade.