Visual Prognosis after Explantation of a Corneal Shape-Changing Hydrogel Inlay in Presbyopic Eyes

The purpose of this case series is to report visual outcomes in patients who underwent explantation of the Raindrop® hydrogel corneal inlay. Retrospective chart review comprising four cases of explantation of the Raindrop® corneal shape-changing hydrogel inlay: pre-implantation, pre-explantation, and post-explantation values for uncorrected distance visual acuity, uncorrected near visual acuity, and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were measured; keratometric and tomographic data were collected using the Pentacam system (Oculus, Inc). Three eyes were explanted for progressive haze after implantation that persisted even after removal; one eye was explanted due to poor visual acuity with no haze formation. All patients experienced decreased unaided and corrected distance visual acuity. Persistent increase in corneal thickness and mean keratometry was noted post-explantation. All four patients regained their original near visual acuities, but one patient had persistent one-line loss in CDVA. There are long lasting tomographic corneal changes following Raindrop inlay explantation. In addition, persistent increased corneal thickness could be related to semi-permanent changes in corneal structure and may account for residual haze experienced by patients. After explantation, patients may not return to baseline CDVA.