lens detachment

[StacyandAndrew]

Andrew has had his mitral and aortic valves replaced 2 years ago. One thing I don't understand is can the lens not be saved? Is this not a normal practice? If we are looking at an IOL what types are there? what has worked in marfans patients? what do I need to look for to find an awesome dr? I live in a small town and the only thing we have is drs pushing Lasik... Any recommendations?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Usually from the tissues on the outside of the eye or "banked' sclera which is from a donor.

I believe you are in good hands. That is a fine medical center.

JCH MD

[StacyandAndrew]

We saw Dr Chen at University os Mississippi Medical Center today and he said that both lenses are detached and due to the vision problems. He said that he would have to sew them into place and would have to graft some of his own tissue to reinforce the suture to help them hold. Where does the tissue come from?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

The IOLs used are generally either anterior chamber PMMA IOLs or sewed in posterior chamber IOLs.

JCH MD

[StacyandAndrew]

What types of implants options are there? Due to his age (17) what would work while at the same time last. I have always made decision about his medical to use what would be the best thing to do/use that would also last as to hopefully never have to re-do due to the amount of surgeries he has already had.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

In Marfan's syndrome the ligaments holding the lens in place are weak and tear and break causing the lens to move out of alignment. It is not now possible to stitch the lens back in place and the lens often has to be removed.

The procedure is not the normal cataract operation and using a Eye Surgeon that has experiece with it is advantageous. Sometime the procedure is even done with a Cataract surgeon and a retina surgeon working togehter.

Yes, seek out a physician or eye center with a national reputation.

JCH MD