Delayed Spontaneous On-axis Lens Rotation and Accelerated Endothelial Failure Following Yamane Intrascleral Haptic Lens Fixation (ISHF): A Case Report
Highlights and Summary
Delayed (7-week) 90° on-axis IOL rotation after Yamane ISHF
Rapid corneal decompensation and endothelial cell loss (>50%) without lens–cornea touch
Vision preserved with timely intervention
Sudden vision loss post ISHF requires urgent evaluation.
Introduction
•Sutureless Intrascleral haptic fixation (ISHF) is widely used for secondary IOL implantation
•Early IOL rotation has been reported within 1 month
•However, late rotation and endothelial decompensation remain poorly characterised
Aim
We report a case of delayed spontaneous IOL rotation with rapid endothelial failure, despite absence of lens-cornea touch
Case Vignette
•69M
•Left traumatic cataract (2015) --> Sulcus IOL + 2x Capsular Tension Rings (CTR)
•9 years later: monocular diplopia + blurred vision à subluxed IOL
•Underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with Yamane ISHF of existing Sensar AR40 IOL. CTRs left in situ.
•Good visual recovery 3 weeks post-op
Baseline Status
•BCVA 6/6, refraction -0.50 / -1.25 x 125
•Corneal CCT: 621µm, Endothelium 2653 cells/mm², CV 46%, Hex 37%
The Complication
•7 weeks post-op, developed sudden BOV
•Examination revealed corneal decompensation
The Findings
•90-degree on-axis rotation of IOL optic
•Haptics remained securely attached to sclera
•AS-OCT: no direct contact between IOL and cornea
•Specular: marked deterioration of ECC to ~1138/mm²
•No AC inflammation or lens mobility
The Management
•Urgent vitrectomy + IOL removal
•Haptics (found to be secure intrasclerally) removed together with 2x CTRs
•Left aphakic
•2 weeks post-removal, CCT was 702µm with persistent bullae
The Rehabilitation
•Given steroid drops
•3 months post-removal, cornea had cleared
The Next Move
•Secondary lens implanted with sclerostomies and Gore-Tex Sutures
•Developed Irvine-Gass syndrome --> treated successfully with Nevanec
•Sutures and IOL remained intact, no further issues
The Outcome
•Corneal oedema continued to clear
•Avoided corneal transplant
•Latest review: VA 6/20 Unaided, 6/8.5 Pinhole
•Steroids continue to be downtitrated
•ECC Trend: 2653 (pre) > 1138 (post) > 1105 (stable)
•Patient satisfied
Discussion
•The “Rotisserie effect” of ISHF lenses can occur spontaneously even beyond 1 month
•Such rotation can precipitate rapid corneal decompensation without direct lens-corneal touch
•Possible Causes:
•Torsional instability of haptic despite fixation
•Altered aqueous dynamics
•Interaction with retained CTRs
•Micro-movement causing endothelial shear stress
Conclusion
IOL rotation can occur late in ISHF
Sudden visual changes require urgent review
Endothelial failure can occur without direct lens-cornea contact.
Early intervention may limit endothelial damage
Caution in complex eyes (trauma, retained CTRs)