A recent study evaluated outcomes of intraocular lens exchange surgery for late decentration in patients with dead bag syndrome.
Dead bag syndrome is a rare ophthalmological condition characterized by intraocular lens dislocation. It typically occurs as a result of cataract surgery but the underlying cause is unknown. Etiological hypotheses include changes in the capsule, lens epithelial cells, or zonules. Common symptoms include visual disturbances such as decreased visual acuity, double vision, and light sensitivity. A distinctive clinical feature of this condition is a floppy capsular bag that lacks structural integrity to hold the intraocular lens. Dead bag syndrome occurs mainly in males and has strong associations with axial myopes.
Study
This prospective study was conducted to evaluate demographic profile, risk factors, and outcomes following intraocular lens exchange surgery for late decentration in dead bag syndrome. A total of 46 eyes in 43 patients with late decentration of intraocular lens and spontaneous posterior capsule rupture were treated and evaluated. Main outcome measures included demographic profile, associated risk factors, visual outcomes, and postoperative complications.
Of the 46 eyes, 30 had in-the-bag intraocular lens decentration and 16 had total dislocation of the intraocular lens into the vitreous cavity. 36 patients had unilateral disease, while 7 had bilateral dead bag syndrome.
Results from the study observed that the mean age of patients was 68.7 years, 91% of patients were male, and more than 50% of the eyes had axial myopia. The mean duration from primary cataract surgery to re-operation was 16.8 years. Intraoperatively, a Soemmering ring was observed in 71.7% of eyes. The mean follow-up after intraocular lens exchange surgery was 10.9 months. 87% of the eyes showed improvement in corrected-distance visual acuity following surgery. Postoperative complications included transient IOP spike in 17% of eyes and cystoid macular edema in 13% of eyes.
From these results, it can be concluded that risk factors in dead bag syndrome were male sex, axial myopia, and duration of posterior capsule rupture event from cataract surgery. The cases of bilaterality and Soemmering ring were new observations in dead bag syndrome and may provide further insights into the condition.
To learn more about rare ophthalmological conditions, visit https://checkrare.com/diseases/ophthalmology-eye-diseases/
References
Nath V, et al. Clinical Features, Risk Factors, and Outcomes Following Surgery for Late Intraocular Lens Decentration in the Dead Bag Syndrome. American Journal of Ophthalmology. https://www.ajo.com/article/S0002-9394(25)00019-4/abstract
Moshirfar M, et al. Dead Bag Syndrome. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK606108/