By implanting an AddOn® intraocular lens from 1stQ, the negative dysphotopsia of an Australian patient was completely eliminated.
Everything was supposed to be better: When a 74-year-old Australian was diagnosed with cataract, he did not hesitate for long and underwent the necessary cataract surgery on his left eye. He hoped to be able to combat the increasingly prominent symptoms caused by the cataract-typical clouding of the natural eye lens in this way. The anticipation of a clear view after surgery and the associated improvement in quality of life was correspondingly great. But the desired result was not achieved.
Hemianopia after cataract surgery
One day after cataract surgery, the Australian noticed black crescent-shaped shadows in the corner of his eye on the sleep side, which severely affected his everyday life. His eye doctor diagnosed a so-called negative dysphotopsia (ND). These are light-associated phenomena, also known as hemianopia. This complication occurs after approximately15 percent of all cataract procedures, but it usually disappears completely by itself. The symptoms persist in about three percent of affected patients. There was no improvement in the case of the 74-year-old Australian either. For this reason, the right eye, which also suffered from cataract, initially remained untreated.
The patient finally underwent a YAG capsulotomy. However,the laser treatment, which is used to removePCO (Posterior Capsular Opacification), did not lead to an improvement.
To make matters worse, there was also a residual visual defect of +1.25 D after implantation of the capsular-baglens, which could be corrected with glasses.
Negative dysphotopsia eliminated with AddOn® IOL
As dysphotopsia continued to plague him, the patient turned to cataract and refractive surgeon Dr. Patrick Versace, New South Wales, where he had successfully undergone Lasik surgery to improve vision ten years earlier. For the experienced ophthalmologist, it quickly became clear how much the 74-year-old suffered from dysphotopsia. In fact, the ophthalmologist was able to find a solution.
Together with Dr. Versace, the patient decided to implant an AddOn IOL from the German medical device manufacturer 1stQ. This is a special intraocular lens that is implanted into the sulcus in addition to the existing capsular-bag lens in order to correct residual visual defects.
Causes of dysphotopsia not conclusively clarified
"The causes of negative dysphotopsia have not yet been conclusively clarified in science. It is clear, though, that it is influenced by many different factors", explains 1stQ founder and CEO Rüdiger Dworschak. "It is relatively certain that the enlarged space between the iris and the artificial lens, which results after cataract surgery, leads to misdirected light rays. These rays may produce the extremely disturbing light phenomena." The problem is caused by the fact that the explanted natural lens is thicker than the implanted artificial lens. However, 1stQ has developed a solution for this case: "The AddOn IOL focuses the light at a point closer to the iris and thus ensures fewer misdirected rays. By this means, negative dysphotopsia can be minimized or even completely eliminated."
In this way, Dr. Versace also wanted to help his patient achieve a better quality of life. In August, he first performed cataract surgery on the 74-year-old's right eye using the reverse optical capture technique to avoid dysphotopsia. An AddOn IOL was implanted in the left eye to eliminate the ND and reliably correct the refractive error.
Sensational result
Thereby, the desired goal was achieved: the patient can now see clearly in both eyes again. He is very happy that the negative dysphotopsia has completely disappeared. "Dr. Versace told us that his patient came to his practice two days after the operation and told him about this sensational result. In the eyes of the 74-year-old, the implantation of the AddOn IOL alone was worthwhile for eliminating the dysphotopsia," says Rüdiger Dworschak. "Both the surgeon and the patient are enthusiastic.”
Further information on Dr. Versace can be found at:
https://visioneyeinstitute.com.au/doctors/patrick-versace/